Coronavirus has made mankind realize how vulnerable they are to the wraiths of nature. This pandemic was just a glimpse of what mother nature has in the room for us, our disrespect towards it will definitely result in it disrespecting us. An infinitesimally small existence that is not even completely alive- the virus is an enemy; man has failed to defeat so far. It makes its existence felt one way or another from time to time. Especially of Chinese origin. The current times are still making us impose a lockdown on ourselves and keep us locked in the home or have freedom in a constrained and fearful manner. Having patience and hope is crucial to get us through the hard times. The pandemic has certainly left me in a miserable and sad state of mind, nobody is exempted. The article is an attempt to help in homework you maintain a steady-state of your mind and reduce the psychological impacts of stress.
The acceptance of reality
The pandemic is real and so is the lockdown, the state we are in and the state we will be in until the effects are totally reversed. The complete reversal can only be achieved after herd immunity is acquired. Thinking of the difficult state we are in as a result of this pandemic will only hurt our feelings and leave us angry, stressed and frustrated. Accepting reality is the bitter truth. Our constant overthinking will not change the situation that we are in. It only makes it worst. We live inside our minds until the end, it is the home for our soul. Make the home comfortable to enjoy a cosy stay. It is harder to accept reality but there is always a way to do so. The law of impermanence comes here as a ray of hope. No state in the entire chain of existence lasts forever. It is destined to change forms from one to another. So is the current scenario, it is eminent that change is real and occurring. In some parts of the world, it Is slow while at some it is faster but it is bound to happen. Patience is being tested now and then. Staying rocksteady and tough is the key, let's accept this challenge and prove to ourselves that non-challenge is tougher than us.
Mind
A very essential aspect listed in a book by Robin Sharma – ‘The monk who sold his Ferrari’ is opposition thinking. Our mind is bound to bank towards negativity and indulges in a thought process that only negates our mental state further. In opposition thinking you make yourself realize every time you indulge in such a thought process that this isn’t the ultimate state of your mind. You have to oppose negative thinking with thinking positively. Have a deep breath and keep telling yourself the better part of your life. The worst state you could have been but are not in. This helps us to establish a rightful perception of seeing the good in everything. Seeing good in everything leads to a positive state of mind.
Stressbusters
Different personalities have different perceptions and thus different stress busters. For some, it is music while for some it is reading. Hobbies have found their time in this state of a pandemic. Hobbies are activities that soothe our brain and draw us into a calm and steady state. We find ourselves relieved from the worries and the disturbing thoughts totally indulging our concentration towards the work at hand. Use this time wisely to improve your good habits and hobbies. Use natural stress-busters like sex, music, conversation, quality time etc. but do not indulge in addictions. Addictions in terms of unnatural intoxicants. It only leads to your dependency over them and eventually when you run out a more miserable and saddened state surface. Live as natural as possible.
Nature
The answer to the best mental well being is visiting natural spots that are isolated and free from human hassle. Solitude is the best company you can keep and nature will guide your mood to a better state. Carry a diary, a radio or a sketchbook and spend time all alone with nature to bring out the best thoughts and state in you. Leave the tedious work schedule be at least once a week and find time for yourself. Even a couple of hours are good enough to have your body release all the essential hormones and enzymes to put your mind in a happy state.
Meditation
The best and only answer to mastery over the mind is meditation. It is ok if you are a beginner or a learner. Simply one hour in the morning and one in the evening will help you transcend to a higher state. You may learn meditation through the internet or a guru. Self-learning is the best learning though. Be in a comfortable posture in a quiet room and focus on your breathing with closed eyes. Observe the pace, how the air comes in and moves out, figure out the nostrils from which it enters or leaves. Stop our thoughts emerging through opposition thinking and refocus on breathing. This is just the initial stage for beginners. Meditation is far more than this. A highly suggested meditation technique is Vipassana which can be learned at the Pagodas even in times of pandemic. Research paper writing is being carried out about this form of meditation to support the scientific evidence of its effectiveness.
Exercise
Last but not the least, exercise is responsible for a healthy state of mind. The connection between mind and matter is interdependent and one influences the other more deeply. Indulge in challenges like pushups, squats or any exercise you please and which do not require equipment. Follow callisthenics and develop a body that makes you proud. Eventually, you will stay motivated and indulge in a well-being state of your mind.
Above sections, I have practised myself and so far helped me to maintain the proper well being of my mind in the pandemic. Feel free to add more to the list and find what’s best for you. Peace.
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