How to Take Care of Mental Health during a Pandemic?
Neucrad Health News Desk April 6, 2020
The world is going through a challenging situation, forcing millions of people to disrupt their regular routine and stay indoors. COVID-19 has already spread to 199 countries and 2 international cruise ships- Diamond Princess and MS Zaandam. Governments in many countries have issued lockdown orders and urged citizens to practise social distancing to arrest the spread of the epidemic. However, individuals should take care of their mental health while staying indoors for a prolonged duration. Many inmates can develop psychological stress while coping with the COVID-19 crisis or working from home in this condition. Have a look at some of the ways by which you can channelize your concentration and energy positively during the pandemic.
Schools have Started e-learning Procedure
Many educational institutions in India and abroad have initiated e-learning or distance education programme as schools are closed for more than 15 days due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Here, the teacher conducts online classes on various subjects at a stipulated time during the day. Neither the instructor nor students need to step out of their house for taking part in the study session. Schools also upload study materials and e-books on their official portal so that children do not find challenges in gaining insight about various topics. In this way, both children and teachers can utilize their time and energy positively. Schools also provide assignments to students which they can complete and upload on the portal or mail to the concerned teacher.
Practising Meditation and Yoga
Since ancient times, people undertake meditation and yoga asanas to fight stress and improve their concentration. They help us to remain focussed in their job, even in challenging situations. Easy Pose or Sukhasana with a forward bend, Uttanasana or Standing Forward Bend with shoulder opener, Rabbit Pose or Sasangasana, Thunderbolt Pose or Vajrasana with Eagle (Garudasana) arms are some excellent yoga poses for relieving stress. Meditation also helps individuals in managing anxiety, depression, and pain. It also prevents negative thoughts and promotes tolerance and patience. You can practice meditation in your house by deep breathing, repeating a mantra, and engaging in prayers. [1,2]
Culturing a Hobby
Nurturing your hobbies can be an excellent stress reliever. Since you have sufficient free time during the lockdown, it is the perfect period to develop your hobbies and exploring new interests. If you are interested in cooking, try out nutritious delicacies from the online cook shows. You may also include kids in mixing ingredients and cutting vegetables. In this way, they will learn to become self-sufficient in future and also develop an interest in cooking. Many people also harbour an interest in painting, knitting, and other crafts. Utilize your time in upskilling yourself so that there are limited chances of getting demotivated or emotionally vulnerable during the lockdown.
Don’t Remain Glued to Social Media
It is good to remain updated about the latest news concerning COVID-19. However, spending too much time on social media can make you prone to fake news and rumours. Some netizens remain inclined to spreading panic among masses by circulating fake news about outbreaks of the disease at various localities. When you come across such coverages, always confirm it through trusted government portals. In India, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched a dedicated COVID-19 portal. You may log on to this platform to learn about the latest news about the epidemic. Similarly, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are also maintaining a site for the latest development about the disease. These portals always covey verified and latest facts, so that netizens can update themselves about the recent happenings without getting stressed. You may explore www.neucradhealth.in which is an emerging health science website to enriching your knowledge bank. It brings authentic scientific information. Biswarup Ghosh, PhD, neuroscientist and biochemist, is the founder of neucrad health.
These were some of the ways of managing your time positively during the COVID-19 outbreak. Always remember, maintaining calm and composure during challenging times is the best method of counteracting it. Now we will learn more about it from Dr. Tanay Maiti, Psychiatrist, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, India.
”COVID 19 is no more a viral pandemic only causing respiratory distress, the global ‘fear’ waves and the never-faced existential crisis hitting the entire generation quite majorly. The mental health concerns (both the ‘what if’ and ‘who’s next’ factors) and needed care have turned equally important for most of the people around the world. This is more true for the more vulnerable people, like children and elderly, or health care workers and their family members.
But, how?
Firstly, Don’t neglect or avoid your mental health. Its okay and natural to be anxious in present scenario. but keep your daily routine intact and regular, specially the food, sleep, exercise and work from home patterns.
Practice relaxation techniques, deep breathings and also time to nurture or re-nurture a hobby. Use the time, the best of it.
Also, stay limitedly accessed, both to media and social media. Keep yourself updated, but not over-dated! No point of making a pandemic to further more infodemic.
Take special care both for children and elderly people. Their lives and concerns are different, understand that.
And most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek/take professional helps if you/your family ever feel so. Its okay not to be ok sometime, if your body can get ill/stressed, so can get your mind too!” said Dr. Tanay Maiti, Psychiatrist, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, India.
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