This year, 2020 was considered to be a golden year for India (Late Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam’s vision 2020). In many fields—science and technology, art and music, politics, public and business sectors.
In fact, we too had plan out some ideas that were to be put on action this year. Unfortunately, the global crisis of Novel Coronavirus interrupted all our thoughts and put us into a hole of self-isolation where the surroundings are affecting us physically, mentally and emotionally. This lockdown has not only stopped us from doing our daily activities but also a hindrance from achieving our small set goals. The crisis also led us far away from our hometowns and way to go back is still restricted.
I am an undergraduate student who is facing the same situation as millions of people are, stuck between the four walls with a question of plea to what to do ahead, still wanders inside my head. Hygiene and social distancing have been told and taught to us daily for our own betterment but what to do if you are alone and have a sick feeling of hopelessness and anxiety. I miss my parents too. A lot! But it is better to do something than to stay hopelessly blinded and homesick. Work from home or ‘Study-from home’ are the only source of entertainment that’s going on in our life or I should say the only source of my motivation to keep going on in this pandemic situation but we are in this together—and we will get through this together.
Here I would like to share some ways to manage your mental health in this lockdown period. These tips and activities can help you go through this isolation phase peacefully, helping in self-development. I have tried many of them personally and found that they are most effective for youth.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness
I am sure there is a pile of clothes and junk that sits beside your bed waiting to be cleaned and nourished. How about taking a first step to clean your apartment? Clean up all your untidy places and occupy them with some beautiful artefacts (get some stones paint it and put them on a show!) or plants. Their presence will not only bring the beauty but also the positive vibe. Or if you are sharing your place with someone (roommate), involve them and use their creative ideas to make your place look more presentable. You can also take their help to paint your place. It is best to utilize your time in doing something creative than to sit idle.
Create a YouTube Channel or Write a Blog
Probably the best part of this pandemic is that no one can stop me from getting out my thoughts in terms of words or speech, on a social platform. It is always better to voice out your thoughts and creative than to bottle them inside. Whether it is a social cause or a hobby to show it is never too late to put up an audience and reflect your ideas and talent. A self- made personality or star always starts up from a small platform.
Develop a new learning
There is always a room to learn something new. Age never determines your educational standard: If you believe in learning something new or the pandemic has stopped you from attaining those classes? I think looking up for online courses is the best job to do when you are bored. There are numerous of free courses available on google and YouTube you can decide to be a part of. An internship program is all you need to transform your ‘learning’ energy in gaining some new experience. Taking an example of my friend Neelam, she decided to be a part of PETA 2-month internship program where she delivers her message through online mode. Or if you are into linguistic (language) material, there is always a medium to join class through various online course.
Keep your friends and family close
Don’t let the lockdown period bring you into an isolation stage. No matter what happens, talk to your friends and family on daily basis. Try something new with them! Share family recipes with each other. Help each other out. Discuss your problems with each other I am sure there would be a lot to know and learn from their point of view. Thanks to technology, that plays a vital role in connecting people with each other. So, use it a best source.
There is no friend as loyal as Book
As living far away from my hometown, books have given me the company I always needed. From Chetan Bhagat to Ayn Rand, I’ve read countless of books in this period. Let your imagination run wild with them. You never know what experience and virtual journey can build an inner excitation. They give us a number of advantages—vocabulary, a sense of creative imagination, makes you smart, improves memory etc. Dwell yourself into the world of words and expressions, they not only make us smarter but also give us a sense of understanding or perception (the way in which something is interpreted).
Meditation and Yoga
Practice meditation and yoga to keep yourself healthy. The pandemic period no doubt brings us anxiety and stress and overload of external pressure but it is better to let yourself relax and practice mental relaxation procedures. They will help you calm down and involve a growing sense of awareness and understanding that can ultimately change the way one can feel about oneself and others.
Feed the ones who are in need
One of the best positive feeling is to help the ones who are in need by feeding them or providing them basic necessities. There are a lot of daily wage earners who are not able to manage their routine properly, you can search nearby and help them in best way possible.
A Happy Listening Tip
MUSIC! Create a playlist and share with your friends and family. Music is the best healing component strategy that improves exercise, eases pain and provides comfort. The brain actually releases “feel good hormone” that has positive effects on mood. According to some researchers, music may improve our health and well- being.
Takeaway Message
“It is only in sorrow bad weather masters us; in joy we face the storm and defy it” Amelia Barr. We may even have to live in co-existence with this virus as per WHO. So, let’s not lose hope and help the ones who are in need without any discrimination. Maintain the norms of lockdown for your own safety and for safety of others. Stay home, Stay Safe, Stay healthy. Thank you for reading through, hope it was useful for you and if you like it, motivate others also to work upon the same.
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