STRUCTURE YOUR DAY.

Having a routine for the day can help you have a sense of stability and purpose.

Try to schedule your day and create a task list. Remember to make distinctions between work and leisure activities and take pauses now and then throughout the day. Do not overstretch yourself and learn to stop when the day is over. Journal your experience to learn what you can change or improve.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

One expects to make the most of these lengthy periods of quarantine but do not forget that these are challenging times and its alright to not feel  motivated or  focused every single day. Take your time to adapt and do not compare your journey with somebody else’s.  Forgive yourself for not sticking to the goals today and always remember tomorrow is another day!

DISTANT PHYSICALLY NOT SOCIALLY

Maintaining a sense of connection is crucial for our mental health.  Try to set some time aside from your daily schedule to bond with the family you live with. You can make it more interesting or enjoyable by learning a new task together for example, a new recipie or gardening.  Thankfully, we can use technology to safely connect with friends and family over telephones or internet. The Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Srinagar revived and promoted the concept of ‘daeriv kin darbar’ (Kashmiri for window to window conversation) to maintain safe communication practices with neighbours during the pandemic.

LASTLY, REMEMBER TO SEEK HELP WHEN NEEDED

Do not hesitate to ask a loved one or a professional if you feel particularly overwhelmed or if you feel that things are getting out of hand and that you can no longer cope.  Communicating about your feelings does make a big difference and always remember, help is just a phone call away!

Dr Syed Bushra

Senior Resident

 Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Srinagar