Unfortunately, the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic along with the enforced lockdowns has induced a great many of these factors in us:
- Biological effects: The after-effects of the virus along with the accompanying fear, stress and anxiety have resulted in many people experiencing mental disorders ranging from confusion, disorientation, agitation, and loss of consciousness to extreme neurological disorders like changes in behavior, loss of memory, seizures, strokes and even coma.
- Physiological effects: Physiological factors are things related to the physical body that affect one’s thinking. The physiological effects of the pandemic are more visible in front-line workers – doctors, police, medical staff, support services, volunteers etc. who have been working around the clock to help the sick and contain the disease. Long and strenuous working hours, uncomfortable and unhygienic working conditions, fear of acquiring the disease, constant exposure to human suffering, frustration, depression, and post-traumatic stress, have definitely impacted the mental health of these saviours.
- Psychological effects: The psychological onslaught brought on by the pandemic is likely to last longer than the virus itself. Physical disabilities, emotional trauma, financial insecurity, social isolation, anxiety, fear, loneliness, helplessness etc. are contributing to the rising mental health concerns globally.
Hence, in addition to physical health, the mental health impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic also needs serious attention. In fact, research has proven that the mental impact of a major disaster is a more serious and long-lasting issue as compared to physical issues.
We suggest trying some or all of the below-listed measures towards enhancing and maintaining one’s mental health especially during these trying times:
- Have a routine: The pandemic has disrupted regular life and routine with restrictions on travel and social interaction. Regular work for everyone - students, professionals, homemakers etc. is happening within the confines of the home. Schools, colleges, offices, gyms, clubs, malls, markets, restaurants are shut and entertainment has become restricted to screen time. This massive change in routine has affected life’s discipline too. Sleeping late, rising late, skipping exercise, irregular meal timings, binge watching shows and movies, and eating to relieve stress – this all adds up to guilt, lethargy and a dull mind. So it is necessary to define a routine which brings discipline and order to this new way of life. It needs to be interspersed with activities that can help relax and refresh the mind and soul, in the current scenario of physical disconnect from the outside world.
- Exercise and have a balanced diet: A healthy mind resides in a healthy body. So take care of your physical health to promote a healthy mind. Exercise regularly and eat fresh, home-cooked food. Avoid junk and get your taste buds used to enjoying fruits, veggies, nuts, whole grains and cereals.
- Do things that you enjoy: Every dark cloud has a silver lining. So does this pandemic. With all the trouble and disaster that it has brought to our lives, it has also helped slow down the rapid pace of life. It has allowed us time to for ourselves, time to do the things we love to do but have not been able to do in the continuous race of life. So restart that carpentry project which has been lying half-done in the garage for years, try grandma’s famous ladoo recipe, redo the interiors… anything and everything that you will enjoy doing.
- Learn something new: There is so much to learn about in the world, and all available at your fingertips. Learn a new skill, a new subject, a foreign language, a form of art or anything that appeals to you. There are a multitude of online courses being offered at affordable prices or even free. Start with any that suits your fancy. A busy mind leaves troubles behind.
- Pursue some form of art: The healing power of art is a proven fact. Maybe this is the reason that art was revered and given much importance in the earlier ages. You need not be an established or trained artist to pursue art. Even simple drawing, colouring and craft activities done alongside kids can be gratifying. This is why Mandala art books for adults are selling like hot cakes.
- Meditate: Find some time, peace and place where you can absorb the silence. If you have never been introduced to meditation, begin by focusing on your breathing. You can also practice guided meditation or listen to positive affirmations or relaxing music.
- Spend quality time with loved ones: Relive memories with your aged parents, play with your children, or enjoy a late-night movie with your spouse. If you cannot meet your loved ones, friends or colleagues in person, reach out to them over a phone or video call and be a pillar of support to them during these trying times.
Ageas Federal has tied up with an NGO, ‘EK Saath’ where people can call up on +91-99017 99017 for free doctor consultations, mental wellness sessions and vaccine-related help. With the aim to be accessible to urban as well as rural populations across the country, consultations and services are currently available in six languages - Hindi, English, Marathi, Gujarati, Tamil and Kannada.
