Unlock Yourself

Many people would agree with me that the pandemic has been increasing our stress levels. We had already been troubled by the extended lockdown. Then, came the news of the sudden demise of our two huge Bollywood legends. It gave us the shock of our lives. And today the government extended the lockdown. That was the cherry on the cake, wasn’t it? 

 Just when we thought, nothing could go wrong, nothing worse could happen, it did. Life came back at us, maybe implying, ‘Karma is a bitch’ or maybe because we always kept on saying that ‘life is unpredictable’. Well, then I think life proved our statement correct and would probably be laughing at us I proved you right!

But somewhere deep down we knew that the lockdown would extend right? We know the situation might not be improving the way we all hoped it would be.

I know you would argue that just when we are trying to gather up ourselves and try to be normal, something or the other happens to pull us down. I feel we have become mere puppets.  Everything is gloomy, chaotic, and stressful.

However, I would like to emphasize and you would probably be reading this the zillionth time that we have to be positive, it is the need of the hour. Just like quarantine.  It is high time. We can’t let stress beat us. We have to win the battle.

 We have been locked in our homes, but our minds, soul, and heart don’t have to be shut down too.  We need to break the ice, the walls of negativity, laziness, procrastination, and just come out! It is time we unlock ourselves and why not spread happiness and optimism for a change?

All I know is that happiness doesn’t necessarily come from money. It’s all about our perception. It is very much there in the small things that happen, an act of care, a call or text from someone close, gossiping with a friend, taking up that hobby, starting up that work.

Happiness comes in both small and big packages- maybe you trying to cook for the first time, washing clothes for the first time, revisiting old habits, taking up something new, doing something old; everything and everyone is a source of happiness if considered so and acknowledged and accepted as one.  

I can just share what I am doing. My parents are taking care of the household chores. I have immersed myself in freelancing work and have been taking up online courses in different fields. Some of which I have no knowledge of and I am a newbie, some of which I do possess some expertise but learning should never stop right? It feels amazing to be with people who share the same fondness as you for a particular field, for me it is writing.

The magical world of days helped me sail through April. I actually do yoga every morning after I wake up and take up 30-minute dance sessions every day. Dance and writing are therapeutic for me. When my mentor from my workshop motivated me and appreciated my writing, I was on cloud nine. When my articles got published, I was happy, when my story got published by an online website; I was on the top of the world.

However, when these events didn’t happen or don’t happen, on those days, I was and I am happy about that the day went well, that I ticked off some items in my To-Do List. In short, I am satisfied and happy that life is moving. And well, I am also happy and blessed that I have food to eat, clothes to wear, and a roof over my head. This might sound cliché but I truly believe this. In between, I keep on giving my mum flying kisses, try to strike some light conversations with dad, discuss the present scenario, the updates and my projects with them.

My heart goes to out to the daily wagers  as they had to face the brunt of the situation and all we can do is donate and pray for them. And also for others who have been facing issues, either suffering from this virus or working for our lives go move swiftly.

 Which is why, I am glad I have the basic amenities along with laptop, electricity, water, phone, internet, etc. etc. Even though I have my own share of problems at home but all in all so far, I am happy and don’t have much to sulk about. In fact, I don’t want to. I am trying to look at the bright side of things. I am trying to spend my time productively and creatively. I would suggest you do the same. It will help sailing through these days in an easier way.  

This is why you should be happy and positive too. Unlock yourself while being locked in. When we have a challenge before us, there are two options- to sit and sulk about it or to step up, make efforts, and change it for the better. Well, I chose the latter. But I am sure many of you would agree that you are seeing yourself in the first category. If you are, then, I guess you know what to do. It is time to make space for positivity and happiness. We have to make the most of the situation at hand and beat it collaboratively. As the saying goes, ‘When life throws lemons, you make a lemonade!’ (P.S- I wonder we can make Mojito too provided we have alcohol at our place. Wink wink!)

In case you are searching for positivity, do read my earlier blog post on the same.

Link:https://garimabatrablog.wordpress.com/2020/04/15/how-to-stay-positive-during-this-lockdown/

How to stay positive during this lockdown?

I am aware that many of us are agitated as the lockdown period got extended. But I wish to ask you that amidst all the negativity why are we increasing our stress levels and blood pressure?  Already our shoulders are burdened and hands tired with all the household chores which we have to do now. Criticizing the situation won’t help you know. If you are questioning ‘why’ in your heads, the answer is because it is just making you anxious and robbing you of your mental peace.

So, how can we sail through this time? Sharing below a few tips which might come in handy.

1. Reduce the time spent on watching the news

You read that right. Of course, it is essential to be updated on the developments but gluing on the TV screens the entire day adds up to your stress. Hence, limit the news watching to 1-2 hours a day and instead opt for Ramayana, the re-telecast of the other shows, music, etc. as they will definitely divert your mind.

• Keep those steps going, body moving

I am sure the bed would be luring you to sleep but at the same time, being active during this phase is essential too. There are a plethora of options available- virtual yoga, Zumba, etc.

The best would be to just create a playlist with all upbeat tracks, dance and just sweat it out. Keep those hips grooving! This is the best workout and will also cheer you up.

Presently, so many apps offer free virtual classes and sessions for cardio, dance, meditation, yoga, etc. They will help calm your mind and body.

My favorite is Cure Fit. It offers sessions throughout the day (from morning till night) and has various options to choose from- Dance fitness, cardio, meditation sessions to reduce anxiety, to be happy, hatha yoga, vinyasa yoga, just to name a few.

I also listen to meditative sounds at night provided by the Urban Yogi app before sleeping. It is extremely relaxing and helps improve my sleep.

• Include happy foods in your diet

Try including happy foods in your diet will prove to be a great mood lifter. There is a limitation on the eatables available but these happy foods are pretty much easily accessible.

 Banana, dark chocolate, berries, apples, turmeric, coffee, walnuts, mango, green tea, mushrooms, quinoa, grapes – these are just to name a few.  They are either there in our homes or the market until now at least.

This tip might sound boring or cliché but in this critical phase eating a nutritious meal packed with all the essential elements, vitamins and minerals are essential. A balanced diet with immunity-boosting ingredients is required. 

• Follow 2 hours:10 minute trick by taking breaks in between

I know I know you will say that you have so much on your plate- cooking, cleaning the house, doing laundry, work from home, etc. etc. and the list is endless. However, I suggest for every 2 hours of work, take a 10-15 minutes break. Either do stretching or listen to a song, watch an episode of your favorite show or maybe eat a snack (but it should be healthy stuff, prefer not to binge eat or stress eat).

•  Try to use the time productively

With whatever leisure time you have, try to utilize it productively. Either create a to do list of the important tasks to be done post the lockdown, take up online courses to enhance your CV. Start that blog, read those books! This would be the best time to take care of your skin, hair, and nails- Massage your hair with oil, do facial at home, devise a hygiene regime. Scroll through tutorials for nail art, makeup, smoky eyes, DIY masks, etc. POP Xo and lbb are also coming up with different live sessions to help you learn something new and also help you sail through this time.

The main aim is to do what you love and what makes you happy.  The best would be to take up that hobby you always wanted to go ahead with but couldn’t because of your fast-paced life never gave you the free time. Well, now you have it. Take up whatever you like or are therapeutic for you- be it reading, painting, writing, it could be anything. So what if the material isn’t available physically, virtual versions via internet technology are there for our rescue.  It’s the app dominated world now you see, you have apps for everything. 

Taking up these activities will provide you happiness and keep your mind diverted towards the good activities and save you from the guilt of wasting your time.

We always complained earlier that we do not have time to do certain stuff or spend time with our family and talk to friends because we were stuck, we were too busy with moving ahead in the race of life. Well, now we do have the time. Yet, we are still complaining that we are getting irritated and frustrated just because it is required to stay home. (It is our benefit if we do this. This is for our safety). I think humans can never be happy in any situation. Most of us have a roof over our heads and food to eat. Think about the daily wagers and the homeless. The real struggle is for them. We should feel blessed and pray and donate for the ones battling with these tough conditions.

Considering the present scenario, we know we can’t change the situation. Hence, we have just two options- either to sit and sulk about it or to step up and make the most of it. I sincerely hope you choose the latter. So please stay at home, stay safe and bring about a positive change in your life. So that few years down the lane you do not regret that you wasted your time or did not make any contribution. Who knows we might never get a chance like this again and well, I sincerely hope that we don’t get such an opportunity, this way at least.