Finding calm in the Pandemic chaos
“Take a deep breath,
and stay calm.”
A piece by Tazeen Shaikh
The health crisis that has befallen us is brewing feelings of uncertainty, and anxiety among people. From suspension of airport activities to lockdown of cities and countries, the pandemic is taking a toll not just on the daily lives and physical health of the people, but also on their mental health.
I’m here to drop in a quick reminder: take a deep breath, and stay calm.
It is understandable and justified to worry about yourself, and your loved ones. A lot of us have family and friends living in different parts of the world, hence it is only human to feel uneasy in this scenario.
Fear, although uncomfortable, is our mind’s mechanism to acknowledge threats, analyse, and take required actions to deal with the said threat. Unfortunately, in times of extreme fear such as this, we fail to reach the latter stages of careful analysis and strategic action, therefore falling into chaos. I’m sure by now we all know about the availability of toilet paper and hand sanitizers failing to meet the heightened demand by frightened consumers.
We owe it to ourselves, and to the people surrounding us, to remain calm and take the necessary precautions and measures.
Increase awareness, not fear.
Do not panic at the sight of people wearing masks on streets or gloves while at work.
If you feel the need to stock up on supplies and food, given the condition in your respective areas, do so, mindfully.
Draw out a list of all things that are necessary instead of chaotic hoarding that might prove useless to you, or cause inconvenience to those around you.
Avoid close contact with others.
Hygiene is of utmost importance, hence maintain good personal hygiene with daily showers, a regular laundry schedule, hand sanitizers, and masks.
Adhere to the steps prescribed by the government in your respective countries.
All around the world, lockdowns are being implemented along with numerous other precautionary measures. Does all this, as a whole, feel frightening? Most definitely, yes. But, we need to remind ourselves that the prescribed precautions are meant for our safety. It is understandable to feel claustrophobic, or anxious, or stressed given the extreme measures, but they are meant to protect us. All of us are aware of this, yet when fear overtakes all other senses, a reminder is essential. Educational institutions are being temporarily closed, along with malls, theatres, and other places, depending on the severity of the situation in the given area. You and I have no control over that, and it definitely feels scary. But what we can control is how we choose to spend this time. Take this as an opportunity to put a pause on the very high demanding lifestyle we live.
Spend time with your family, and close friends (not in prohibited public places of course).
Stay in and read while enjoying a hot cup of tea.
Engage in some yoga.
Catch up on the series you’ve been missing.
Make a playlist of your favourite music and share it with your friends, along with a list of top ten movies that you love.
Work from home, if the nature of your work allows it.
Whip out hobbies (indoor, of course) that you’ve been putting aside all this time because of your busy schedule.
Refrain from spreading false information and/or believing in false information by researching and following reliable sources.
This is a time where you need to take care of your mental health, and help others deal with their stresses as well.
Let’s work together in spirit, and cooperate with one another. Wind down, relax, take precautions, and keep up with the news.
Love and energy to everyone out there!
-T