5 Fail-Proof Ways of Keeping Calm in Tough Times

Yes, it's tough, very tough. To keep your head above water in these troubled times of COVID 19,  is nothing short of a Herculean task. To keep plodding through uncertainty and confinement, with the threat of the disease looming over us, is an uphill challenge each one of us is facing.

However, we must keep at it. Must follow precautions, guidelines, barriers. Must stay away from each other, create walls around us, must suffer the claustrophobia and the sense of imprisonment. Must stare at the possible loss of future employment and advancement opportunities.

It isn't easy, but we must do it for the sake of preserving our own sanity and peace, and keep calm.

Following are a few hacks to deal with the stress and tension, the despair and the gloom:

1. Take each day at a time. Do not think about what is likely to happen in the future, don't conjure up images of hopelessness, worst-case scenarios. Just take each day on its own, live through the day. Remember, "This too shall pass". However despondent you are feeling right now, keep your faith in GOD and the balance of nature. Things are going to figure themselves out eventually. That is the eternal law of nature.
2. Vent your feelings to someone close. Or seek professional psychological help. Your feelings of frustration, anger, helplessness, anxiety, hopelessness are very real and legitimate. Discuss your fears with loved ones. If you are alone talk to a friend. If you feel depressed or unduly anxious, seek counseling online or through phone. Do not keep your stress bottled up.
3. Don't feel guilty if you are wasting time or just staring into space for a long time. Around you, everyone seems to be cooking like Master chefs, learning like eager pupils, and acquiring new skills with enthusiasm. If you are not learning or practicing some skill, DO NOT FEEL GUILTY. It's absolutely okay, just to live through the day and survive.
4. Practice mindfulness. Appreciate what you have. Relish the food, appreciate your home, recognize the love and support of close ones. So many of us don't have these comforts. Make thankfulness a part of your family routine.
5. Be thankful for the fact that there are people out in the field fighting the COVID battle for you. Doctors, medical and hospital staff, policemen and women, cleaners, shopkeepers, and everyone who has to perforce go out to fulfill their duties. Be thankful you are safe in your own house, in the company of your loved ones, having enough to eat and drink, and able to live without the disease. This will help you be thankful and grateful to GOD, and keep calm.

Practice deep breathing, positive visualization and meditation. Pray, and think positive. Love and seek support from friends and family. Listen to your favourite music. Read your favourite novel. Do a spot of gardening. Paint, doodle or sketch, or do nothing. 

Breathe..... Have Faith. 

We Shall Overcome!