Unlike our parents and grandparents, we are experiencing a lockdown for the first time. To be honest, we probably never even considered the possibility of a pandemic hitting us the way coronavirus has but since now it has become our unfortunate reality, there is no option but to make sure that we get through this.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a 21-day lockdown for the entire country in order to stop the spread of the virus and everybody is requested to stay indoors. However, since not leaving the house isn¡¯t something we are used to, this lockdown might take a toll on our mental as well as physical health.?
Of course, the sole purpose of this lockdown is to make sure we do not fall sick but on the other hand, we have to make sure that we make good use of it and not let it affect our sanity too much.
If you have never experienced a lockdown and do not know what to do, here is some advice on how to go about it.
Firstly, thanks to this English ex-navy officer, Jon Bailey, who took to Twitter to share his experience of being in a submarine for several months so that people can learn something from it and apply to their life during this lockdown period.
The first thing he addresses is how setting a routine is extremely important and there is no disagreeing with that. A routine will make sure that you do not miss out on things that are essential for your daily life like having your meals on time and taking a bath.?
In order to set up a proper routine, one needs to divide all their activities into categories along with time slots to carry them out. From the time you wake up to the time you go to sleep, having a routine will give you a task to do every now and then during the day and won¡¯t make you feel like you have nothing to do. Cooking, cleaning, exercising, working, etc., all of it needs to be done and having a routine will make sure you go ahead with everything.
Now that you do not have a lot to do and can actually focus on your meals (a luxury most working people do not have in general), learning how to eat healthy is extremely important. Boredom often causes people to snack which can lead to obesity which can cause a number of heart conditions among other things and no one wants that. Take your time to prepare your meals. Do not rush. Put your heart and soul into it.?
However, do not mistake investing your time into cooking to mean that you have to go all out every time you need to fix yourself a meal. Divide your days between having extraordinary meals and then also give yourself days when you eat basic and healthy things that you usually do to keep things normal. Jon Bailey calls it ¡®a good mix of ¡°feast and famine¡± and points out that it is a great way to also make sure you do not gain unnecessary weight from eating unhealthy food.
Since you do not have the luxury to go to the gym or even take a walk in the park, working out might become a task for you. However, exercising is one thing in this world that does not require anything apart from your body and there are plenty of online classes and live sessions on social media now that are helping people work out during the lockdown period.?
Jon Bailey recommends ¡®Fitness Blender¡¯ on YouTube that apparently has great workouts and he also mentions how exercise is a great antidepressant and will make you feel all better. It also provides you with a much-needed break from the other chores that you need to do around the house.
Now that you will be at home all day long, there will come a point where you will start cleaning your house even if you do not like to do it. In his tweet, Jon Bailey points out that since you will spending more time at home, it will get dirtier than usual and ¡®cleaning¡¯ should be a mandatory part of your daily routine and should be followed through with every day.
Even though we cannot step out and socialise with our friends for the time being, it does not mean that we cannot keep in touch with them. Bailey mentions how even during the time he spent in a submarine, weekly telegrams from loved ones back home became his week¡¯s highlights.?
Even if you do not have anything to talk about, make sure you contact your friends and family who are not with you and spend time with them.?During a time like this, human contact is the one thing we need to stay away from and it is also the one thing everyone craves. So, be thankful for technology and make the best out of it.
Just because you are going to make a routine, it doesn't mean your hobbies and interests cannot be a part of it. In fact, they are a vital part of your day and since you have a lot of time on your hands right now, it should not go to waste.?Keep yourself entertained, pick up a hobby and give your brain some exercise too?because your mental health needs that.?
If you spend too much time worrying about things, there will be no end to it. Do the things you love and you will not regret any of it.
One¡¯s mental health can be under constant distress during a time like this but we should do our best in order to remain physically and mentally healthy. There is no doubt about the fact that it is a scary time and all of us need to proceed with extra caution.?
However, do not lose hope and have faith that this will come to an end. If social media and the news really ticks you off and puts you under stress, take a break. You can choose to read about the updates by making it a part of your routine but do not obsess over it.?
Do not lose hope. We will get through this. Stay clean, stay safe.