5 Pathways To Lower Mental Stress

Battles of heart and mind Advice from Ground Zero on how to stop worrying and embrace the isolation

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1 WORKING (IT) OUT

MANPREET SINGH, Rudrapur

The start of 2020 for Manpreet Singh, 32, had been joyous. He had taken a group of tourists to Thailand and Vietnam in January and his travel company, Four Seasons Holiday Planner, was doing well. Ever since COVID-19 made headlines in February, however, Singh has had to cancel 50 tours. “I know people in the sector who can’t sleep at night, but I don’t want to go on a downward spiral,” he says. A firm advocate of mental fitness, Singh is now using his spare hours to focus on his physical health too. He is using heavy pickle jars for tricep curls, gas cylinders for weighted squats and chairs for pushups. “The glass will only be half empty when you want it to be,” he says.

2 Covid Counsel

“In times like these when we are bombarded with mostly depressing information and news about coronavirus, let us not be selective about picking up negative or stress-related information. Read, but not just about coronavirus. Similarly, watch TV but not just news related to coronavirus” Dr Anuttama Banerjee, consultant clinical psychologist “Sit down and take up to 10 deep breaths when you feel anxious. Bring your mind to the present moment because with the constant onslaught of negative information, your mind pushes you into worrying about the future” Ameeta Menon, wellness coach

3 A Counter for Corona

LIMIT MEDIA EXPOSURE

Checking the news 24X7 for latest updates can lead to a rise in anxiety. It is good to be aware, but do not overload your mind.

ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY