Spirituality teaches us that nothing is permanent in the universe. Just as night follows day, there is always an end and a beginning. To be a truly enlightened soul, one must embrace the good change and learn from the bad, and overall give out love.
As we come to terms with the harsh reality of a complete lockdown, it is important to remember that ‘this too shall pass’. And there are ways in which we can remind ourselves of this and find peace in the comfort of our own homes. Here are a few ways you can start.
Meditate
Looking inwards when the outside world is in complete chaos is the best way to remain calm. Meditation doesn’t just help you drown out unnecessary noise, it also strengthens your immune system and keeps your mental health in check, especially when it is being tested to the brim. And it isn’t a demanding exercise. All you need is 5-10 minutes of your day and a quiet place where you can just breathe in and breathe out.
Practice yoga
A relaxed mind is the greatest weapon to battle a stressful situation. Yoga will help you get there. It is also a great way to reenergise your body in case you feel mentally and physically drained. There are a few simple poses that you can do at home like the Sukhasana (easy cross-legged sitting pose), Uttanasana (standing forward bend) and the Sasangasana (rabbit pose) that can provide an instant pick-me-up when you need it the most.
Pray
In times of uncertainty, surrendering to a higher being brings in a calm and acceptance that allow us to overcome adversity successfully. In Hinduism, the chanting of mantras is not just an invitation to the divine, it also helps achieve a peaceful mind, free from worry. If you live with your family, don’t underestimate the power of collective prayer. It can be a source of great comfort and positivity in your time of need.
Listen to music
A great way to ease your anxiety is to practice music therapy. A song’s rhythm, melody and repetition help activate positive thoughts in your mind. When you sing, you are essentially chanting, and breathing out all of the pent up negative emotions. The predictability of a song also helps calm nerves, especially when your regular routine has been disrupted.
Avoid the news
In a pandemic, it is important to know what precautions you must take. But try and keep your information limited to that. It is easy to get addicted to checking for constant updates that can trigger a wave of panic and paranoia. Recognise the behaviour and stay away from the news. It is important, for the sake of your mental health, to switch off. Try to limit your news updates to once a day.
Connect with others
Our otherwise fast-paced life means that our close relationships often take a backseat. Now that you are staying put at home, use this time to connect and catch up with the loved ones that you haven’t heard from in a while. Putting a smile on someone’s face is always a great way to create some positive vibes within you and around you. Once you go back to your routine, you may not get this opportunity again, so use this time wisely and start dialling.
Adopt a routine
You may have come to terms with the fact that life as you know it has now ceased to exist. But you still have a life to live. So create a new routine, one that is not so focused on work or chores. When you are isolated, it is easy to feel demotivated and less productive. Creating a new routine gives your life some structure and purpose. It takes 21 days to form a habit, so this is your chance to create a cleaner, healthier routine for yourself. This could include a 30-minute workout early in the morning or saying no to junk food and consciously cooking healthy meals every day.
Indulge in self-care
If you have always lived a busy life, chances are you have neglected yourself because of lack of time. Now is the time to pamper yourself thoroughly. A nice warm bath with some soothing bath salts or a 20-minute face mask routine will help you feel rejuvenated and fresh. A long walk or a bicycle ride amidst nature will help release endorphins that instantly elevate your mood. Some ‘me’ time is essential to de-stress and relax.