A guide to dealing with stress and anxiety during COVID!

The pandemic has been around for long enough to make us forget what a normal day on planet Earth feels like. Lockdown has conditioned us to stay home for days on ends. The situation demands isolation, yet isolation from the rest of the world can take a toll on our mental health. Apart from work and daily chores, it is important to engage our minds in activities. Apart from isolation, COVID stigma has put many COVID survivors under stress. A lot of health workers faced anxiety due to COVID and its impact.

These are hard times and the only way to deal with this is together and with the right information. COVID itself is a lot to handle, stress and anxiety will just add to it. These are few things to do to keep anxiety at bay.

Yoga during covid

Yoga has been always linked to mental and physical health benefits. The whole day indoors makes us lethargic; yoga will help stretch muscles and keep the mind at peace. If you are dealing with an anxious situation, consider trying meditative yoga. It will surely calm your mind. Yoga is beneficial for improving lung health. Take 20minutes off your daily routine to do some meditative yoga.

Music

Music has been a go-to for many. It will instantly elevate mood. Working with music can increase productivity as it improves focus.  Soothing music, especially meditative nature music reduces stress. Put on some music as you do your daily chores or while sipping coffee. If you are not into music, try meditative podcasts. Inspirational talk with background music will give you all the motivation you need for the day.

Gardening

Gardening is known to reduce stress and anxiety. Being around plants can improve mood and help with depression. With the time indoors it is a great idea to start your own garden. Indoor plants have become a favorite. These plants also promote good oxygen levels indoors. Lockdown and work from home have constrained us to four walls, plants can add life and calmness to our lives. Kitchen gardens can be useful and good for health as well. Growing tomatoes, chilies and mint is easy and resourceful.

Take up a hobby

If there has been something you always wanted to do, make use of the time lockdown has given you. Music, art, writing, pottery, cooking, or anything else, the sky is your limit. This will bring in positivity and help you stay composed. This is a great way to add another skill to your kitty.

Talk to your loved ones

Lockdown has ensured plenty of time with our loved ones, make the best of it. Make it a point to talk out everything you feel, especially when you are going through stress. If you are staying away from your loved ones, you can always connect with them through digital media. Make it a habit to talk to at least one person about your day or something that is bothering you. This will take the weight off your head. Talking is healing!

Seek professional help

If you feel like nothing is working for you, the best way to go about it is to reach out for professional help. There has been a persistent stigma around counseling. Counseling is effective and can help you cope with everything you are going through. If you feel the need, do not hesitate.  

These hard times will surely pass. Stay put and make sure to seek help if you are unable to deal with the stress and anxiety. Remember, we all are in this together.

Also read How to stay healthy during COVID.