5 simple ways to lessen stress during pandemic

 We're in the worst second wave of this terrifying pandemic. We all thought 2021 would be better and that the worst was behind us. But how wrong we were. Anywhere we turn, there is death and illness. Shocking images of crematoriums running full, people dying outside the hospitals for lack of oxygen cylinders and beds, heartbreaking appeals from doctors and ordinary citizens, pleas for help in getting admitted to a hospital, pleas for injections and oxygen--we cannot be immune to it. There's not a single person I know who hasn't faced some kind of a loss because of the Pandemic. Everyone is stressed.

And when you are stressed it affects your immune system. You are likely to succumb to illnesses.  Stress is something which we have to minimize at all costs, especially in these times. But how do we do it?

 Like everyone else, I too was affected.  For a while, my stress levels were high. I  felt totally down as well as angry and helpless. But I am in a much better frame of mind  now.  I am also able to stay positive now and my stress levels are minimal as well. It took conscious effort on my part. I followed a few simple  things which helped me a lot in getting myself out of the dark place I was stuck in.

Here are the things I followed:


1. Limit screen time :

 I use an iphone and I never knew  the the phone comes with an option where you can limit the screen time for every app. I have now set the limits for Twitter and Instagram for just 15 minutes each.  They turn themselves off after the set time. Limiting my screen time helped me a lot to tune off the negativity. It freed up my time which I could use for other things. Even if your phone doesn't have the option to limit screen time, you could download an app which helps you do it. Limiting the amount of time I spend on social media  meant I had more time on my hands to do things in real life. It also kept negativity at bay, as I wasn't constantly 'doomscrolling'. 


 2. Start a new hobby:

Sometimes we all need a little motivation and inspiration. I highly recommend taking a skillshare  premium membership if you can afford it. They have many courses in all kinds of things.  I teach a creative writing class there. I have also enrolled as a student  on skillshare and have done several courses which have helped me a lot. (Once you take a premium membership there's no limit to the number of courses you can do!)

You could use this link to see my class and also if you want to  try skillshare premium  free for 14 days.

https://www.skillshare.com/r/profile/Preeti-Shenoy/9270711

 I have learnt book binding, making a travel journal, clicking self-portraits, using drawing as a tool of self-discovery etc. It helps me de stress and I immensely enjoy these courses and making new projects.

 

3. Create a soothing  habit : 

 

The one thing that I do every day is cycle. I cycle to a lake near my home, walk around it and then cycle back. I find this extremely calming.  Here are a couple of pictures I clicked at the lake this morning.



Ever since I made cycling to the lake a morning habit, I have something to look forward to, each day. You could perhaps make walking a habit. Find a nice spot in your neighbourhood, and simply walk early in the morning. Start observing the things around you and you will be surprised at what you discover.


4. Refuse to engage with 'dumpers':

It is not selfish to temporarily walk away from the whiners. If someone's attitude is getting you down, take a break from them. Of course, you can also choose to be there for them, if they are going through a difficult time. But be aware of the way it is making you feel. If you constantly feel on the edge, and if you constantly feel negative around someone, remember you will be able to help them better, when you are in a better frame of mind yourself.  Only when you are calm and content will you be able to give out positive vibes.

I had posted this on my Telegram Channel (I post exclusive content every day. Do join if you haven't yet subscribed)


 

5.Practice gratitude.

When I was chatting with a friend who is just recovering from covid, she pointed out how this time is unique for all of us. She said she is grateful that her adult child (who lives abroad) is with her right now. These times when all of us are working from home and together isn't going to come back. 

For me, I look for things which make me feel blessed and grateful. We can find joy in small things --like flowers that bloomed, like a glorious sunset or sunrise that you witnessed or simply being healthy. The more we practice gratitude, the less stress we feel.

I hope these tips help you. Which of these do you follow? Do you have anything additional to share?
If you are reading this in your inbox, do head over to my blog and leave a comment in my comment box.


Take Care and Stay calm

Love
Preeti

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Photo by Jeffery Erhunse on Unsplash


Comments

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  2. Preeti ji now there is so much negativity and abuses and finger pointing and toxicity that no matter what you day someone seems to get offended.
    If you speak too much they will say you are cheap.
    If you don't speak much they will say you have an ego and attitude.
    If you speak just as much as required they will say you are mean.
    No matter what you do they will always say something.
    Don't allow it to define your life.

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  3. Nowadays being Positive is kind of scary but Preetiji your does of positivity is more than welcome.Yup I follow certain things you mention.I have stopped watching too much news.I have also got out of 2 watsapp groups which were either talking about disaster or politics which was more of confrontational than constructive.
    Now I am at home all the time and work and read a lot.I only wish that I could have stayed in Joshimath like Veda whom I find intriguing and inspiring.
    Lots of Love and Respect to you Preetiji.
    Stay safe Stay happy.

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    1. Haha --Yeah Joshmath is Idyllic. So glad you got out of the toxic groups. Lots of love and stay safe and calm

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  4. We live in a village at my mother's place right now... So definitely sunrise, sunsets and fresh air from farmlands while I walk in the mornings keep me positive and energetic. And the good food mom cooks for us keeps me reminding to be grateful. We started cooking in turns. Morning is mummas, afternoon lunch is cooked by both and we relieve her tonight as me and my sister share to prepare dinner. This way we are reducing work stress of my parents. And, I find happiness in sharing their humdrum work.

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    1. How beautiful! Nothing like clean fresh air!

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  5. Hi madam ! A great post from your side. Madam pls accept my fb friend request.

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    1. Thanks! Have reached the maximum friend acceptance on FB :) Also I dont even thionk FB friends are 'real'. I find real connection here, on my blog. Thank you for reading and leaving me a comment.

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  6. Yes keep a regular attention on your thoughts, set it to check in every hour, try to feed good and powerful thoughts to your mind.

    This is required, no matter how good your mental health is... The vibrations are not good around us so definitely your thoughts would be affected by your surroundings. So better would be keep checking quality of thoughts every hour, specially in morning and before sleep.

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    1. Yes, keeping a check on our thoughts is a good idea.

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  7. This was really helpful..Thank you!

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    1. So glad it was. Thank you for leaving a comment.

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  8. As always you help me a lot with your posts. This is one of them. Thanks for all the above tips.

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  9. Thank you preeti ma'am for this post

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    1. Thank you for leaving me a comment!

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  10. Hello mam ..This blog is really helpful ❤️❤️

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  11. Hello ma'am ! Your blog helped a lot ! :) And I absolutely agree the soothing point of yours! ✨😁 Thanks a lot! Stay safe and blessed! ❤️

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  12. Hello Preeti. How are you? I was so happy to read this post. The second wave is so deadly, but still there are people who are not taking it seriously. I try my best to educate people about how to follow safety protocols, but no one listens. So I just try to take care of myself. As I started exercising since December, my mood is better, I feel healthy and more energetic and my stamina has increased as well. Social Media was something I was addicted to for many years. As the years go by, it has decreased a lot. I cannot remember the last time I had logged into Instagram and Facebook. The best part is, I don't feel like I am missing something. Another way I try to divert my mind from the current situation is by reading a book. I get transported to a new level and it feels good. Take care and Stay Safe. :-)

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  13. Wonderful suggestions!!! If u r interested n can do gardening n kitchen garden is also a great option. At least keep some potted plants and water it daily. It's very rewarding and rejuvenating.

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  14. Very useful tips to destress!!👏👏👍

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