Source: unsplash.com

It is said that health is wealth. And undoubtedly, it is! It is indeed the most prized possession. In today’s modern competitive era, where everything is available at a press of a button; where life is so smooth due to the road of internet running around us; but where resides an unusual fear of the deadly covid-19 virus amongst all minds, taking care of our physical and mental well-being holds immense importance.


Source: pexels.com

With today’s situation of covid-19 which is spreading like wildfire, shifting to online platforms and working from home is the new normal. Covid has severely impacted all the sectors of the economy and spread invisibly across the globe. The pandemic has drastically altered our lifestyle and posed a new set of challenges. With many people losing their jobs and businesses being adversely affected due to lockdown restrictions, mental health is a matter of concern. Pandemic has made people financially and emotionally unstable leading to stress, anxiety, and depression. The fear of losing loved ones has made people live a life of pain and monotony. Oscillating between long working hours, finding time for family and loved ones, or for even one’s own self, maintaining personal and professional life balance has become a huge challenge for everyone. There is a constant pressure and competition to be the best as well which ultimately leads to a rat-race to outshine others. It leads to mental trauma, and arrogance in behavior. The daily-wage laborers are hit hard struggling for bare survival and making both ends meet. The Internet and technology have emerged to be the sole saviours during unprecedented times and are running our life right now. But excessive use of devices like laptops, mobile-phones leads to back-breaking postures, weak eyesight, loss of physical fitness, mental disorders, etc. Hence, there is a need to take necessary precautions and maintain a healthy lifestyle.


Source: pexels.com

First of all, you need to ensure that you sleep at least 8 hours a day. Proper sleep is crucial for the effective functioning of our immune system. It relaxes and refreshes the mind as well. Sleep also ensures that you stay calm and composed. Next, you need to find time from your daily schedule howsoever hectic it is for connecting with your near and dear ones. This will boost your morale and imbibe positivity which is very important during covid. Spend a few hours with family every day. Meet them at lunch or dinner table and have hearty and light conversations full of laughter, love, and togetherness. This will help you to rejoice and wither away all the tensions related to work and pressure. Try to talk about their whereabouts, their schedule, etc. Avoid talking about covid cases and the situation. Try to find happiness and solace. Remember, whosoever you connect to must be close to you. Avoid talking to people who discourage you or think negatively about anything. What’s next? We all know, fit is the new hit! The third important task you need to do is work out regularly. Exercise daily (may it be brisk walking, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, aerobics). This helps you to regain your lost physical fitness. Your mind should stay focused and calm whenever you exercise. Whenever you sit in front of the laptop, your body posture should be appropriate. Use lamination screens and anti-glare glasses for protection. Have a comfortable seating chair preferably with cushion pads. You can even make a list of all things which give you happiness and try one activity every day. The activities may include writing, cooking, dancing, listening to music, walking, reading, etc. These activities, even if you perform them for only 10 minutes, will give you blissful moments on a busy day and will help to reduce your stress.

Other than that, all the social distancing norms and guidelines are to be followed. Masks are a must. Try to stay in ventilated places. Eat healthy because we are what we eat. The diet shall be a mixture of all essential nutrients and vitamins. Intake a lot of liquids, especially water. Participate in mental wellness programs and ice-breakers organized by the organizations virtually to relax the employees. This reduces workload and gives time to recreate.

Coming on to a word which has become synonymous these days-quarantines. If you are in quarantine and you are tested covid positive, what shall you do? Of course, you can’t catch up with your friends and family. But you can virtually connect with them. Give rest to your body, as much as possible. Normally all companies are giving a 14 day off for covid. Take your medicines on time. Eat a proper and balanced diet as prescribed by the doctor. Maintain social distancing. Refrain from reading negative news about covid or watching any such videos during this time. This may divert your mind and you'll end up instilling more fear. Talk to your family regularly which will motivate you emotionally and in turn, soothe your mind. If you are someone, who has a near or dear one hospitalized or suffering from covid, you need to be calm. You need to stay positive and further motivate the concerned person that he’ll be alright super soon. Try to emerge as a support system and help with whatever you could.

Source: pexels.com

And now to everyone like me, you and many who have seen India grappling with the second wave this May, and are now deeply frightened with the news of the third wave. Please take all necessary precautions and care of your hygiene. Please do away with the misconception of being vaccinated is being safe. Ensure you sanitize regularly and wear masks whenever out. Avoid crowded places and travel only if urgent. Get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you have any abnormalities and health issues, be in regular touch with your doctor. For those who have suffered from covid either last or this year, please don’t feel that you have won the battle. The virus is throwing surprises every day and we need to be prepared for the worst.

For those who can, please help those in need by donating money, distributing food, and giving shelter during the tough times. Covid has brought misery to a large population and if our little deeds of kindness and love can bring a change in someone’s life, we need to be sympathetic enough to understand and contribute to it. There’s nothing better than that. We need to take care of ourselves and society as a whole to make it a better place to live. Covid might have disrupted our lives but we shouldn't be disrupted from within.

.   .   .

Discus