Up until March 2020, my cosy Bombay apartment was the hub of impromptu get-togethers and game nights. Being relatively new in the city, I always had friends, and sometimes their pets coming over and making me feel at home. Aah, those golden days.
However, things took a nasty turn with Covid-19 spreading like wildfire – where locking ourselves down at home was the only way to stay safe. But was it easy? Nope. Doing it all alone was among the hardest things. In just 3 months, I realised I was skipping meals, delaying laundry, found it hard to focus at work, and became detached in general. It’s true, harrowing headlines and social distancing took a toll on my mental health, and only I could help myself.
Soon, I realised it’s time to spring out of my slump and take charge of my life. It took time, but the journey to being healthy mentally was a rewarding one! Here’s what spending the lockdown alone taught me about life –
1) Kindness Will Find You, Always
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Whether it was the watchman of my building helping me procure groceries in the middle of lockdown, my boss giving us adequate work breaks in these tough times, or relatives dropping by with goodies – kindness hugged me wholly!
2) Find Happiness In The Smaller Things
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Baked something fun? That’s a wow moment.
Reconnected with old friends? That’s one too!
Indulged in some skin care? Definitely.
Learn to celebrate the smaller things in life and observe how you’ll become a happier person!
3) Hobbies Are Therapeutic!
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When the going gets tough, engage in a feel-good hobby & forget your worries. That hobby for me was sketching – I’d sketch Greek windows, cute kittens, country homes & everything in between. Trust me, it will help you destress, and declutter your mind.
4) Family Always Has Your Back
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The lockdown helped me bond with my family like never before. From learning new recipes from mamma on video calls, to checking up on my grandma every few days – they were my happy place during the lockdown. No matter how far, their warmth and love would brighten my day.
5) Practice Gratitude – It’ll Make You A Happier Person
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If your lockdown included ordering food, working from home, enjoying virtual celebrations, ordering exciting goodies on Amazon, or joining an online yoga class – you’re privileged already.
The moment I became grateful for what I had, I realised how perfect my life already is!
And most importantly, if you feel you need help, someone to talk to or a friendly shoulder, never hesitate to reach out to people.
Treading on similar emotions of solidarity, love and support, Philips and iDiva have teamed up and launched #KhayaalRakhna. This platform has been created to help you find resources to cope with your mental health and to support your well-being. It gives you access to a panel of experts from Fortis National Mental Health Program, so that you can book a free consultation of your well-being. All of this, without any charge. Please visit this link to book your appointment, today!
