HOW TO OVERCOME CHALLENGES POSED BY THE PANDEMIC

The coronavirus outbreak began in December 2019 and has been continuing ever since. Over these months, everyone has had to face harsh circumstances. Students have undergone immense pressure. A list of interventions has been provided below to help overcome

These challenges below and make transitions smoother.

Set up a routine

Try to start and end your day at the same time every day. Maintain a healthy diet including enough greens and water. Exercise for at least 30 minutes and include meditation in your everyday routine. Setting up a routine can help individuals feel in control of their lives as well as include all that is important for one’s overall health.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness refers to focusing on being intensely aware of what one is sensing and feeling in the moment without judgment or interpretation. It involves breathing techniques, guided imagery, etc. It can be something as simple as being mindful of what one is eating. Mindfulness helps individuals to respond to stressors with awareness of what is happening in the present moment, rather than simply acting instinctively, unaware of what emotions or motives may be driving the decision.

Enhance skills

There are many educational websites like Udemy, Coursera, etc, offering online courses across various fields. Taking up new courses can help learn new skills or enhance them. This can be extremely beneficial as it can boost one’s confidence and self-esteem as well as be an addition to the Curriculum Vitae(CV).

Build an online support community

In times when physical proximity can be fatal, it is crucial to build an online support community so that in difficult times one can feel that he/she belongs somewhere and can communicate with someone.

Do something recreational

Coping with the stress caused by the pandemic is highly important as it can further lead to mental as well as physical health issues. Getting involved in recreational activities like reading, painting, writing, dancing, singing, meditating, etc can be cathartic. It can help individuals express & manage their emotions in a healthy manner as well as take their minds off stressors.

Get involved with family(chores)

Getting involved in household chores is another way of reconnecting with one’s family and spending time with them. It can also help in keeping individuals busy and can sometimes even be cathartic.

Stay in touch with nature

Being in touch with nature through walking, gardening, or any other way helps one be grounded which creates a positive charge in the mind and body. Moreover, it produces a feeling of connectedness and can be relaxing as well as uplifting at the same time.

Learn something new

Learning new things like cooking, washing clothes, painting, dance, etc can help develop a sense of productivity as well as achievement. Furthermore, it can add to one’s skills and be advantageous in the long run.

Stay in touch with friends

It is easy to feel lonely and isolated when confined to one’s home but it is important to make an effort to stay socially connected through regular voice/video calls. This can help in making one feel that he/she belongs somewhere and is supported.

Remember it is okay to not be okay

With the unending certainty, it is completely okay to feel low. Remember to embrace your emotions and accept them without any kind of judgment. Taking a break is highly recommended whenever you need to unwind. Keep reminding yourself that it is okay to not be okay and that the way you’re feeling will not last forever. Try and take one day at a time.

Limit your screen time(social media. news)

Social media and news channels are continuously producing content related to the pandemic. Overconsumption of such information can lead to a mental breakdown as it can cause high levels of stress relating to the situation. Therefore, it is necessary to limit one’s screentime and the consumption of such content.

Don’t run after toxic productivity

If people can be productive in such times, it is admirable but if not, it is completely natural. In such dire times, surviving each day should be applauded. Try and not to compare yourself to others and beat yourself down. It is healthy to know your limits and to take care of yourself rather than trying to be productive every day.

Seek professional help

Sometimes seeking professional help at the right time can be substantial.  An outbreak like this can cause anyone to feel excessively worried. Therefore, it is crucial to take care of one’s mental health. Professionals can help individuals manage and regulate their thoughts, emotions and behaviours in a healthy manner so as to overcome challenges with ease.