By S Adeeb Mujtaba Ali
The havoc created by pandemic is leaving everyone around with anxiety, stress and overwhelming experience due to social distancing and isolation from peers. But one shouldn't forget that these are necessary precautions/requirements to be observed in order to prevent the spread of virus.
One should learn to deal and cope up with stress and anxiety, panic and depression during this period. As by doing so, it will not only help you to recover faster but also help the care takers around you become more resilient.
Quick look into affects of stress:
Experiences like fear, worries, frustration, sleeplessness, change in appetite, desires, interest, feeling of numbness, short temper, sadness, insecure feeling, irritation to small stimuli, losses concentration and reasoning ability.
The patients are also reported to exhibit physical reactions like skin rashes, digestive problems, body pains, headaches. Worsened chronic health and mental health problems.
In addition, it was also noticed that people increased the consumption of alcohol, tobacco etc.
However, it's natural process which cannot be disturbed. Only with time and patience, precautions and medication we can have victory over COVID-19
Let's see some of the healthy ways to deal with stress:
1) First and foremost limit the use of social media. Ofcourse when at home with no socialization it's but obviously that we tend to engage ourselves with social media. But Dear all stop the excessive use of technology.
2) Take good care of yourself. Groom yourself, take care of your body, meditate, excercise, eat balanced food, keep yourself hydrated, take plenty of sleep. Limit or avoid smoking, tobacco and alcohol consumption.
3) Continue your routine medication, get vaccinated (it boosts your immunity) and other screenings as prescribed by family doctor/ physician according to your health condition.
4) Try to reconnect with long lost activities, a hobby, do something which makes you feel happy and merry around.
5) In this time of social distancing stay connected with near and dears through calls, video chat, attend virtual events (Workshop, conference, gathering etc)
6) Help those in need- financial support, physical support etc.
In conclusion, keep high hopes. We shall overcome. Stay positive and spread positivity. Stay home, stay safe, stay connected.
COVID-19 is new normal. A culture which has made us realise and embrace many things (positive and negative) which I guess we would not have had experienced in its absence.
