“Forlorn!the very word is like a bell

To toll me back from thee to my sole

self"

These are the lines from Ode to a Nightingale, by John Keats,are quite relevant in today's world of pandemic. The two words, dominating our daily life,are isolation and lockdown. This Covid 19 has put a pause to our regular step to life. However, this pandemic has a great impact on the mental health of common mass. Confronting a regular threat to life,keeping ourselves away from our near and dear ones, restricting our movements to go outside are not easy to accept at first. Most importantly, our forlorn souls are shocked at this new kind of reign of terror prevailing globally.  

              This pandemic has a grave effect on our mental health and has shattered our peaceful survival in many ways. Amidst this open challenge of global epidemic it is very necessary to take care of our mental health. But how? Today I am going to share some tips that may be helpful for managing our mental stress and anxiety during this time of trial and tribulation.  

1. Shift your focus from the news update on covid. It is good to be informed. But don't overload yourself with the news of pandemic constantly. It can be quite upsetting. So take a break from such news.

2. Start your day with meditation and prayer to the Almighty. Meditation and prayer impart a positive vibration and charge up your mind. Keep faith that no virus can stop God's planning of life. During meditation, you may feel that your mind is jumping from one to another thought. But don't give up. Take time. After a certain time, you will feel a calmness during the process of meditation and that is the need of the hour.

3. Take care of your body. Do exercise on a regular basis. It will lower your stress levels. Include healthy foods like green vegetables fresh fruits, almonds into your diet. Don’t lean on junk foods,alcohol and other indulgences. Sufficient sleep is very necessary for the detoxification of your brain. Maintain a good hygiene and that is the call of the hour. Wash your hands before every meal. Carry a sanitizer and wear mask whenever you go outside. Most importantly, get vaccinated against covid 19 whenever it is available.

4. Feel gratitude. Do you have food? Do you have shelter? Do you have clothes? If the answers are ‘yes’,feel grateful for that. Be grateful that you are gifted with a life that includes many beautiful aspects to nurture. Be grateful for being alive and enjoy every bit of it. If you are healthy and physically fit,be grateful for your immunity.  

5. Choose your area of productivity. Do you like singing? Do you like writing? Do you like gardening? Ask yourself ,what you are liking  to do at present. Spend your leisure time with some recreation that is productive as well as creative. Try to engage your mind in a positive and productive way.  

6. Try to contribute to your society, to your country. We often come across the help posts through social media. In that case we can step forward to help them in any way. Because this sense of empathy and compassion is illuminating for our mental health. Some happiness are unmatched, especially when it is unconditional.  

7. Make connection with other people. If physical socialization is not possible at this moment,go for virtual connection through phone, texts, Facebook, WhatsApp etc. Share your thoughts with others and listen to their stories.  

I hope the above mentioned strategies may help you to manage your mental health during this crucial time.Finally, I would like to take a bow for our frontline warriors who are serving day and night to promote our well being physically and mentally. Only our collective effort can defeat the deadly virus.