The Art of Strengthening our Mind
“A happy mind is a healthy mind.”
As I was thinking of a topic to write my blog, my phone rang with my friend’s name flashing across the screen. It was a surprise as we hadn’t been in touch for a long time.
We had a brief conversation where he spoke about how the current scenario is taking a toll on him. I understood that he needed to vent. This provoked me to reach out to a few more pals to understand their confined lifestyle of being stuck inside four walls for months together due to this pandemic, that we are all facing.
In most cases, the concern is either a fear of being laid off or of a future filled with uncertainties. This worry could be sensed in their voice. It really made me think about how tough it is for people to adapt and accommodate the sudden WFH mode which was once a privilege/benefit.
We’re left wondering if we’re slipping into depression or overwhelmed by a sick feeling when we hear a similar mindset from everyone around — shaking our existing confidence or weakening our mental strength.
So, it got me thinking of how do we can handle this sudden social isolation, or rather, handling fake facts and rumors that fuel the fear? When these thoughts engulf our mind, we must find distractions and occupy ourselves.
I have written a few routine tasks that have helped as a coping mechanism to weed out such thoughts and strengthen my mental health.
The How: Handling Social Isolation
1. Be busy or get busy. Have a regular schedule. Participate in the work that needs to be done at home.
2. Distract yourself from negative emotions by listening to music or reading your favorite books. If you had old hobbies like painting, gardening, or stitching, go back to them.
3. Rediscover your hobbies / hidden talents — you could be the next Beethoven or Da Vinci.
4. Is your gym closed? That shouldn’t stop you. Challenge yourself with simple indoor exercises that will keep you fit and feeling healthy.
5. Sharing is caring. Empathize and understand if someone around you needs advice, food, or other essentials, be willing to share, be it your colleague or your family members.
6. If you have children at home, keep them busy by allowing them to help in the household chores — make them feel responsible and acquire new skills
Handling Emotions & Fear of Uncertainties:
1. When feeling anxious, practice breathing slowly for a few minutes. Try and distance the thoughts that are making you anxious. Think of something calm and serene, and slow down your mind.
2. Even when afraid, deal with it by asking yourself:
a. What is under my control?
b. Am I unnecessarily worrying about the worst thing that can happen?
c. When I have been stressed in the past, how have I managed?
d. What are the things I can do to help myself be positive?
3. Feeling lonely or sad is also quite common. Stay connected with others. Communication can help you to connect with family and friends.
a. Call up people whom you haven’t spoken to and surprise them
b. Discuss happy events, common interests, exchange cooking tips, share music
4. Try not to follow sensational news or social media posts which may impact your mental state. Do not spread or share any unverified news or information further.
5. Knowledge is power; the more you know about a certain issue, the less fearful you may feel. Make sure to access and believe only the most reliable sources of information for self-protection
An old proverb says — An idle mind is a devil’s workshop — so keep your mind occupied and healthy. Be kind to your mind.
Author: Srinath Mohan
Stream: HR
