Due to the uptick in Omicron cases, people are again confined to home. One’s mental well-being can go for a toss. Being in isolation is also overwhelming and it will be essential to focus on emotional well-being. We got Dr Sonal Anand, Psychiatrist, Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai to dish out some tips to protect your mental health during the Omicron surge.
1. Try to stay in touch with your loved ones
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It will be imperative for you to connect with your friends and family members during these unprecedented times. So, just to open up about your feelings, try to speak to your loved ones and discuss with them if anything is bothering you. Not only this, but you can also take the help of a therapist to calm you down and help you stay stress-free.
2. Do activities that you like
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Now, since you are at home, you have an opportunity to pursue your hobbies. Do what makes you happy. You can cook, dance, learn photography, do gardening, read, watch movies, draw or learn to play an instrument or a new language, or try to do an online course. Learn a new language.
Keep yourself occupied. Your mind should be distracted and busy. If you sit idle, you will only keep thinking about the pandemic and that can further lead to anxiety, stress, depression, irritability, frustration, and anger.
Try to exercise at home and stay stress-free. Exercising can release feel-good hormones called endorphins that induce positive feelings. Even 10-15 minutes of regular exercise gives the body a boost for better well being.
3. Digital detox
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It is the need of the hour just when the cases of Omicron are rising at an alarming rate. One may read disturbing news on social media and dwell on that. One may fret or panic due to the news regarding Omicron leading to a negative mindset. It is best to avoid scrolling through negative posts on social media that can make you anxious.
Try to have gadgets-free zones at home. For example, avoid using your phone or any other electronic gadget while eating or in the bedroom. Remember to believe the information from only reliable sources. Do not pay any attention to rumors circulated on social media. Limit social media usage to minimal required.
4. Try relaxation techniques
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Certain relaxation techniques like meditation and yoga can help ease anxiety and depression. You will be able to rejuvenate and stay calm.
5. Be kind to yourself
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You should take all the precautions you can take to keep Covid-19 at bay. Try to get vaccinated, and follow the Covid protocols of masking, social distancing and hand sanitizing. Try to have some ‘me’ time at home. Pamper yourself by nourishing your skin and hair, following a well-balanced diet, and taking good care of yourself.
6. Acceptance can help
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You need to have an open mind. If you are anxious, try to find the root cause of it and treat it with the help of an expert. Do not be in denial mode. Accept that you are anxious due to the Covid situation, and you have to make peace with this ‘new normal’ and learn to live with it.
7. Practice mindfulness
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Be aware of your movements, and try to put in 100 percent focus and attention to the task at hand rather than thinking about too many things at the same time. Mindfulness should be practiced in all activities.
Lead Image Credit: Piku, MSN Motion Pictures
