Expert Speak: Stress management in the times of the coronavirus

Stress levels are bound to be high in most people in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. Dr. Samir Parik, HOD and Director, Mental Health, Fortis Healthcare, tells you how to stay positive and tame down your stress levels.

By: Jahnavi Sarma | | Updated: March 27, 2020 5:28 pm

Since times are uncertain and nobody knows how long restrictions will be in place, stress levels are bound to be high in most people. @Shutterstock

This is a truly frightening time and most of us must have never thought that we would have to live through a time like this. There is a global pandemic going on and scientists have no clue about what to expect from this new coronavirus. News reports are of no help because most give conflicting views. All this will definitely work to increase your stress and make you more anxious. The whole of India is under lockdown and people are in quarantine. Some are self-imposed and some advised by health professionals. Since times are uncertain and nobody knows how long the restrictions will be in place, stress levels are bound to escalate in most people, especially those living with conditions like depression, phobias and OCD. In this video, Dr. Samir Parik, HOD and Director, Mental Health, Fortis Healthcare, tells you how to stay positive and tame down your stress levels amidst the coronavirus outbreak. Also Read - Hand sanitizer vs. soap and water: Which one should you use?

The mental health challenges become more difficult to handle if you are already living with certain psychological challenges. Yes, isolation is a great hurdle to live through. While Dr. Parikh’s suggestion will surely help you stay afloat during these tough times, we share some tricks to help you keep stress at bay. Also Read - COVID-19 reinfection: 90% of recovered patients suffer lung damage, 5% test positive again

Take a break

A constant deluge of news can have a negative affect on your mental health. So don’t chase news obsessively. Switch off your TV, put the newspaper down, shut off social media sites and relax. This will take your mind off the coronavirus pandemic for at least some time. Also Read - Not only Fauci, Google Doodle also promotes face mask: Should you wear it at home and inside a car too?

Pamper yourself

This is a good time to take care of yourself, especially if you are in isolation. Exercise, meditate, try out some beauty rituals, eat healthy meals and sleep well. All this will bring down your stress levels.

Unwind

This is important if you want to avoid stress. You can use this time to do things that you enjoy. Paint, knit or cook. Doing what you love will keep your stress levels down.

Reach out to people

It is okay if you can’t meet people. You can still take to them. This is the time to take the help of technology. Do video chants, call old friends and relatives. This is the perfect time to catch up with old acquaintances. You will be surprised at the positivity that this will bring you.

Published : March 27, 2020 4:00 pm | Updated:March 27, 2020 5:28 pm

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