Coronavirus outbreak has been hard on all of us--with more than 6 million reported cases and two hundred thousands death, the pandemic has caused widespread devastation and misery. India too witnessed very strict lockdown for more than a month suring which besides essential services other conveniences were stopped countrywide.

But the lockdown, social distancing, fear of the virus, false rumours being circulated around, incorrect facts being shared on social media and groups has created a global mental health crisis. People are forever anxious; in their hyper anxious states they are falling for frequent arguments and disagreements on groups and with friends and family; withdrawal of some services that they were used to like restaurants and movie halls has left life monotonous and social distancing is not kind of any of us. We miss the gossip sessions with friends over chai; we miss hugging our friends and family...and being hugged back. And this is leaving us with feelings of loneliness, feeling forsaken, miserable and without support.

Since the times are tough, it is also upto us to become tougher. Here are some tips to help you get your mind in order:

1) It is natural to resort to social media to keep oneself busy. But turning to social media such as Facebook, Instagram,Twitter, Whatsapp can confuse you, lead you to unhealthy comparions, and make you feel more hyper about the situation out there. Reading about this one falling sick from COVID or that one, can make you feel that the pandemic is right there at your doorstep to grab you. It can increase anxiety and stress. Also, for people away from home, for example students, seeing pictures of family enjoying time, or for busy people to see others putting up exotic meals can leave them feeling lonely and lesser. So, it is essential to restrict social media consumption.
2) If possible make a time table--how long will you spend time on the laptop and switch off the laptop once the designated time is over; decide time for fun things too...going for a walk in the colony premises, TV time and so on.
3) Don't get distracted by what others are doing or thinking. People's decor skills, cooking skills, sad news, speculations about what is about to happen...there are many things that will distract you. It is best not to get lost in these and instead focus on yourself and your family.
4) Say your prayers and thank your God. To maintain your sanity it is important to have faith. Your faith can be on your religion or your beliefs but at the end of the day, these things bring in positivity by reminding you that there is someone to take care of you.
5) Keep your supplement intake going on. Not only are supplements of vitamin C, B complex etc touted to protect you from COVID, but a deficiency can make you feel low and depressed and moody. So, in consultation with your doctor you may want to pick up a course of some multi-vitamin or multi-mineral.