Most of us are going through various emotional states as COVID-19 continues its global impact. In Gujarat, we’ve been hunkered down already with schools and colleges closed, mandated work-from-home arrangements and everything has been locked down. We spend our days chatting with friends and families and realize how deep impact this pandemic has, not only on our economies but also on our mind. Depending on their individual mindset and mental status, people are reacting differently to current lockdown. It’s tough to feel in control when everything else is out of your control.
I’m not writing to tell you what to do, but share a few things to help you in this time as a family:
• Recognize emotional state of your dear ones and support them at all times.
• Social distance, not social isolation — we’ve all made a point of increasing phone calls, texts, FaceTime video chats to friends near and far, to make sure that we fill some of the gaps. I’ve personally made a point to read social media less but to connect more, and that’s helped me a great deal.
• Get some exercise — Spare some time for your physical health along with your mental health. It will increase your immunity as well.
• Do something creative — When we focus our attention on creating something without pressure of expectations, our nervous system can begin to regulate all the underlying anxieties. And if you enjoy what you’re creating, even a scribble, you release dopamine and counter that fatigue.
• Look after others — it’s easy to hunker down and concentrate on our own needs, but it feels good at times like this to act. And there are others out there who need our action. We’re trying to check in with our neighbors to ensure they have what they need, as well as donate to organizations that run charity programs for those who are struggling right now.
• Get organized- It’s a good time to develop some new habits. Try to organise your pending work.
• Give yourself a break. Don’t add to the extrinsic stress levels of the health crisis by adding pressure on yourself. We’re all going through a lot of life changes at the same time, and it’s good to
acknowledge that we’re not all going to be working at peak performance for a little while until we adapt to the ‘new normal’.
Let’s keep looking out for each other out there.
Stay positive — and stay COVID-negative!
Author:
Dr. Vaishali Parekh, HoD, Dept. of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Karnavati School of Dentistry (KSD)
Disclaimer: The opinions / views expressed in this article are solely of the author in his / her individual capacity. They do not purport to reflect the opinions and/or views of the College and/or University or its members.
