The mind controls the body. Many illnesses can be prevented or reduced when the person has a strong self-control and a positive mind-set. Hence the following simple techniques may be useful in dealing with the pandemic that is causing havoc, creating panic, depression and fear among people:
- Get sufficient exercise in different formats on a regular basis
- Go into balconies, terrace, garden, anywhere you can get fresh air, open skies and distant views at least twice a day, or more
- Reduce (if possible cut off completely) the time you spend on social media, particularly anything to do with the pandemic
- Reduce time spent in front of the screen. If you are watching movies etc, select lighter and positive themes
- Do Creative activities that stimulate the mind, preferably new ones every now and then
- Spend as much free time as possible doing some Family or group activities which strengthens bonds and make you feel belonged
- Reach out to others, particularly those who have had covid, or have lost someone to the virus. In fact systematically keep calling up all your acquaintances to check on their well-being.
- Remind yourself at least twice a day, like a mantra, that you and your loved ones are safe (even if you have been through covid and recovered), healthy and on the way to overcoming this bad phase
- Ensure that you get good sleep, on time. Use simple techniques that improve your sleep (I can share them with you if you wish)
- Eat well, gargle every day, avoid alcohol, nicotine and caffeine, and walk around after dinner and before you sleep.
- If you become covid positive, do not panic. More than 95% are recovering smoothly within a short span.
We are being told by well-intentioned friends to keep ourselves locked in, stay protected and not to do anything “off-line.” But when I look around, I see doctors driving to hospitals, garbage collectors and sweepers spending hours on the road, petty hawkers moving around hoping to make at least a few rupees to sustain them for the day, and policemen enforcing the lock-down.
We do not see on the roads those who are providing us with electricity, water supply, keeping our drainage system going, manufacturing life-saving medicines, cooking food for the homeless, taking care of the destitute and orphans – but they too are risking their lives and going to work.
Just because I have a well-contained house, Swiggy facility, money to buy all my needs (and wants) and can live off my savings without a regular income, I cannot be so selfish to only protect myself. I see a missionary zeal in each member of our Team Banjara who have been doing whatever is possible to reach out to others without stepping out – emotionally and otherwise. I salute them.
