Beating the Pandemic Blues

The lockdown wasn’t over in a real sense and here we are again. With another shutdown looming over.
Isolation in these uncertain times causes stress and some major blues. A few self-care tips to help manage one’s emotions and stay in high spirits.

1. Sleep- The usual challenge of getting 8 hours has for many turned into getting just 8 hours. Manage your sleep in a way that doesn’t make you feel like a zombie all day long. Aim to sleep by 11 and wake up at 7 – getting the right amount of sleep at the right time will help you feel energized. If you do choose to nap make sure it’s scheduled and not at odd hours.
2. Food- With not much going on, there are very strong food cravings. While it is okay to give in every now and then, it’s absolutely essential to have a healthy diet on a regular. Consume a lot of seasonal fruits and vegetables- this will help with immunity as well.
3. Meditate- if you find yourself worrying or slipping into a spiral of negative thoughts- a nice way to calm yourself down would be meditation. Meditation can be challenging for beginners – the easiest way to start is to lay on your bed with headphones and play a guided meditation video. Listen to it with eyes closed. Start small as short videos will help build patience for longer ones. Five to ten minutes would be good, to begin with.
4. Stay Connected- Humans are social animals. Text your friends on the regular. Try to have one non-work phone call every day. One meaningful conversation with family, close or old friends once a week.
5. Social media detox- now is a good time to reconnect with yourself, taking a break from social media would help. This would also help avoid mindless scrolling and the guilt that follows afterwards. Screen time is high because of work from home, online classes- cutting down on social media would be good for your eyes.
6. Hobbies- to break the monotony of days looking, all the same, try your hand at something new. If you’ve been hoping to pick a new hobby or get back to an old one- now is a perfect time. I am finding Mandala art very relaxing. Cooking is a doubly rewarding activity- the process and the end product, youtube will hold your hand every step of the way.

Remember it’s a global pandemic – it is okay to not be at your absolute best. It is okay to take a break. I hope these tips help add, do tell in the comments.