Tips for Stress and Anxiety Management

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life. Stress and anxiety due to the disease, are currently at an all-time high. A lot of people have had to return to their workplace recently after a prolonged period of lockdown. Having to adjust to this ‘new normal’ is bound to be anxiety-provoking.

Some of the issues and challenges which people are facing currently

• Surge in cases and worries about exposure while commuting or at the workplace
• Fears regarding the adequacy of safety measures and adapting to the new ways of working
• Risk of carrying the infection back to one’s families
• Difficulties in arranging safe child care or care of the elderly while one goes to work  
• Financial difficulties and job uncertainties

It is important to understand that everyone is in this together and is having to adapt to a new way of life. We may have to accept that the inconveniences and limitations. The uncertainty ahead is a source of constant stress. Anxiety and stress can be managed if channeled the right way but if it is excessive, it can be harmful.

Here are some tips to manage your mental health better

• Maintain good sleep schedule. Try to get at least 6-8 hours of sleep.
• Try to follow a schedule as close to the one you used to have prior to the start of the pandemic
• Exercise regularly. Maintain regular meal times and a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet.
• Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and drugs.
• Take regular short breaks at work, learn to relax and connect with others while maintaining appropriate physical distance, practice mindfulness and deep breathing exercises or yoga.
• Speak to someone you trust and sharing your concerns can help ease anxiety.                                        
• Do something relaxing like reading, listening to music, praying, cleaning, talking to your friends, spending time with your family (or pets if you have any) or picking up an old hobby.
• Lessen the time for watching the news, or on social media updates on COVID related news
• Spend at least 20 minutes in sunlight everyday
• Stay productive, busy, optimistic and hopeful

Dr Lokesh Kumar K
MBBS, MD (Psychiatry) Consultant Psychiatrist
OMNI Hospitals, Kukatpally