10 TIPS TO COPE  WITH STRESS AND ANXIETY DURING LOCKDOWN

Hey there, How are you? Are you getting affected  by all the negativity and uncertainty? Are you getting stressed with the present situation and anxious about the future?

 Try these 10 tips which might help you cope.

1. POSITIVE THINKING- The first thing you can do is change your thought process. Try thinking positive. You need to tell yourself"I am not alone. It can be prevented. It is a tough phase which will pass. Whatever has a beginning has an end. Things will be normal again.  Everything has pros and cons.
2. FOCUS ON WHAT IS IN YOUR CONTROL- Let’s look at what we can do about it rather than what is happening outside. There are certain things which are not in our control. So, what do we do? Can we focus on what is in our control?  Can we  take preventive measures and focus on our health, have a balanced diet, exercise and take ample rest.
3.  PREVENTIVE MEASURES -We are well aware of the                      preventive measures like maintaining  personal hygiene, social distancing, building our immunity by taking a balanced diet, exercise and medication if any.
4. AVOID THINKING AND DISCUSSING – While the present circumstances can be distressing and overwhelming for some of us, there is no point in discussing too much about the news and what is happening especially in front of the children. They do not  need the negativity and there is always a risk of passing on the worry and anxiety to them. So it is advisable to avoid it.
5.  UPDATE YOURSELF FROM REPUTABLE SOURCES- We should keep ourselves well  informed and listen to  the news but how much and from what sources. Update yourself only once or twice a day from reputable sources. Listening and reading too much about it will only escalate your stress levels.
6.  HOW DO WE SPEND OUR TIME – Time management has become all the more crucial.  Thanks  to lockdown we are forced to  manage with minimal domestic help. We need to set up a new routine and adapt to it.  Change  has become a permanent feature in our lives. I hope you agree with me. We are not sure what is going to happen, even in the near future.  Does it make sense  thinking about the future when everything is so volatile and dynamic? There is lot of uncertainty right now. So, we need to learn  to adapt.
7.  ENGAGE THE CHILDREN PRODUCTIVELY AND CREATIVELY – Since children are at home,  keeping them productively occupied could be challenging.  You can try activities such as reading, simple house chores, art and craft, basic cooking, board games and other indoor games, age appropriate videos and movies. Dance, yoga, zumba, aerobics, cycling, jogging, skipping and hopping games are good physical activities. It is the best thing for them as it keeps them healthy,  happy, fit and active. It will improve their appetite, sleep pattern and immunity.
8.  MINDFULNESS AND GRATITUDE-  Mindfulness is a way of thinking wherein the focus is on what we are doing or supposed to do, in the present moment, instead of worrying  about the future or pondering about the past. It is about giving your 100% to the task or activity you are presently engaging in. Expressing gratitude through prayer keeps us grounded and helps us think positively.  If we look at our lives we will realize that,  we are blessed with more privileges than  most  people and there are many things we can be grateful for. 
9. THINGS YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO DO –We all have a list of things we always wanted to pursue and have not been able to due to  lack of time, like spending quality time with family, catching up with friends, reading,  pursuing a hobby, de cluttering,  gardening, maybe learning a new skill or language or trying a new recipe. Now is the time, to indulge in all these activities and make the best of our time to uplift our spirits  and get that sense of achievement!!
10. CALMING STRATEGIES – In case you are still going                                    through stress, there are calming strategies you can try like breathing exercises, listening to music, prayer, meditation, yoga, pranayam, progressive muscle relaxation, hobbies and sleep. Sleep refreshes the body and mind and makes you feel rejuvenated. So at least 7-8 hours of sleep is essential for you. You can choose whichever is comfortable for you and works for you. You can also seek professional help from a psychologistt or a psychiatrist if you deem fit. All the best!!

        Hope you find these tips useful and help you de stress. 

        Unlock the potential within you!! Stay mindful!! Stay healthy!!!