So here are a few tips to encourage people. Even though it may feel like we’re trapped, it’s important to ensure that everyone feels as supported and connected as possible.

Coronavirus has reached its tentacles into just about every sphere of our lives at this point. The collateral damage beyond wreaking medical havoc is tremendous and worrying and it is taking its toll on people’s mental health too. For those who have lost their jobs, psychological demolition is obvious. For those who are simply trapped indoors, the effects may be less severe, but not insignificant—particularly if mental health problems already existed.

Social connection is a huge factor in our daily satisfaction levels, and In this particular situation, it becomes harder to cope when we are caged and enforced to maintain distance from others. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has also highlighted the importance of encouraging mental and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 outbreak, stressing “this is not going to be a sprint, but a marathon.”

So here are a few tips to encourage people not to bottle up their emotions during these trying times. Even though it may feel like we’re trapped, it’s important to ensure that everyone feels as supported and connected as possible.

Shock and flow

In the current scenario, finding ways to create a routine is essential to creating any semblance of order, to keep stress at bay and any other potential depressive thoughts that may appear. This entails sleeping, waking up, working and eating meals at set times, as much as possible anyway. Unstructured time can create boredom, spikes in anxiety or depression, which can lead to unhealthy patterns of coping. At the same time, to avoid ‘hedonic adaptation’, which basically means the mind is extremely adaptive and gets lesser joy from the same activity upon repetition, shake things up every now and then, and try something new every other week to keep motivated. Perhaps you can jot down your thoughts and feelings and start writing a daily journal. Or connect with your school or college friends after a long time. You can even start a watercolour painting or catch up on your reading. Having something special at such a time will help you look forward to each new day.

Get some deep, remedial sleep

Have you had bizarre dreams lately? If yes, you are not the only one. Several people have been sharing their peculiar #pandemicdreams on Twitter, many of which involve disease, fear or strange new surroundings. Research shows that such dreams are a normal response to stress and that our brains may also refuge to searching for less stressful scenarios while we sleep. Not getting enough sleep may lead to mental and physical fatigue. Therefore, regulating ones sleep is absolutely crucial.

Know your body- Meditate and Excercise

Anything that gets your heart pumping or helps build muscle is excellent for both physical and mental health. Now is the time to try that online workout tutorial that you always wanted to! Various Instagram and zoom live sessions are being conducted by fitness experts, where you can workout in real time with trainers from around the world. Research also shows that regular exercise produces chemicals, such as dopamine and serotonin, which are as effectual as antidepressant medication or psychotherapy for treating milder depression.

Get ready to take a Virtual Tour

If you are a wanderlust and missing travelling due to the pandemic outbreak, don't stress! You can use virtual reality (VR) technology and 360-degree videography to travel abroad from the comfort of their own homes. These virtual travel tours and online travel experiences that can be enjoyed online during coronavirus quarantine and can also be one of the best ways to virtually visit another place.

Avoid negativity

Stay away from getting obsessive about the news around covid-19! If it’s causing hysteria, it’s not worth it. This situation demands consciously establishing positivity and that can take immense effort right now, but it is arguably the most important aspect of keeping your sanity intact. Rephrase sentences using negative adverbs with positive language; Eg. Instead of saying “I’m exhausted” - say instead “I’d love a good rest”. Or instead of “I have to workout tomorrow”, say instead “I get to workout tomorrow.” Known to trick the mind into a happier mood, this is a sneaky little tip to use to your advantage!

The biggest thing to keep in mind is that, even though you may be lonely, we’re all in this together. So keep your chin up, everyday.

We’ve got this!

Disclaimer: The views expressed in the article above are those of the authors' and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of this publishing house