CHEARS

The pandemic has taken a toll on everyone’s physical as well as mental health. It has been more than a year since the first lockdown was announced. Challenges faced by everyone were plenty; isolation, childcare, joblessness, fear of going out, and deaths that this pandemic has claimed have been devastating for everyone around the globe.

Over this year of lockdown and restriction, many have come across anxiety and depression. People have lost their jobs, businesses have dissolved, major organizations have suffered significant losses, people have lost loved ones, and healthcare workers have been fighting the virus around the clock. Things have been difficult for everyone around us; it was also observed that some communities have been facing more mental health issues than others.

More and more countries have observed a rise in the number of people having anxiety, depression, or other mental issues since the outbreak.

How do you take care of yourself?

1. Take deep breaths.

Situations get overwhelmed pretty quickly. It is important to keep yourself grounded and take at least three deep breaths. This will keep you calm in stressful situations.

2. Regular check-ins with yourself

It is crucial to know about your feelings, understand and note how you’ve been feeling from time to time. This will help you analyze any signs or symptoms of anxiety and depression.

3. Talk to someone

This has been said plenty of times. As humans, we need human connections and interactions in our lives. Talking to someone about how you feel or how things have gone can help you empty your mind of burdened feelings. Even a small phone call can make someone’s day better.

4. How do you talk about your feelings?

It is difficult to express your feelings while going through a rough patch. Some counselors and therapists can help make things easier. If you want to talk to your peers, you can start by talking about small things, try and open yourself little by little, and help one another through tough times.

5. Take breaks from social media and news.

Social media has become a prime influence on our lives. With Covid -19 making the news worldwide, it has become easier for one to lose hope. Making a habit of getting off the grid for some time can make you feel relaxed. This will help the mind be content and won’t be fed with 24×7 news.

6. Exercise

While everyone is staying in the apartment during the day, it is very easy to be stuck in one place for the entire day, which can make you feel lethargic, unproductive, and cause all sorts of pain in your body. It is essential to find a little movement in a day, even if it is just walking around the house, putting on some music and dancing around, or cleaning the house. This little movement and will give a boost of energy.

7. Escape loneliness

While solitude can aid in self-discovery, loneliness can be one of its drawbacks. It is great to be independent, making things work on your own, but it’s a different thing to feel lonely. One can feel lonely even if they have people around. Try online interactive classes. You can learn a new skill while interacting with new people.

8. "Work From Home" during the pandemic

Employers and employees must understand set working hours. With pressure building up because of the pandemic, it is important to give yourself and your family some time instead of working 24×7.

9. Let your feelings flow

Sometimes it’s important to let yourself feel how you feel. One shouldn’t stop themselves from feeling sad, hurt, or angry. If you feel like crying, you should cry and let your feelings out. Holding and suppressing your feelings can only make things worse.

10. Reach out

Always reach out for help. It’s never too late or too early. If you know you want to get out of these complex feelings, ask for help.

It is okay, not to be okay.