“A new Blog every fortnight” was the promise that I made to myself and to the subscribers. For the past 1.5 months I have failed miserably on it.
I had split my site into three sections –
- Experiences – More on the travel aspects
- Thoughts – Professional
- Beyond – Zen and bigger aspects in life
I couldn’t think of a better topic or a better time to write this in the More Section of the site.
As you would have heard the current Tsunami of COVID cases in India is crazy. Add to it the news all around of shortage of virtually everything is further depressing.
In times like these you feel gratitude and are emotionally at the most susceptible self. You start living by the day. Getting up every morning in the heat of uncertainity. Not knowing what the next phone call or WhatsApp message of Social Media has in store for you.
Having lived in a nation throughout your life. Being amongst the affluent few. Having the relatives, friends and colleagues doing relatively well, and yet so helpless once you receive a distress call.
Add to it being socially and physically cut off from the people who matter.
These circumstances are bound to make one depressed, concerned and anxious.
ENOUGH TO MAKE PEOPLE INSANE!!
During the past 1 year, the anxiety and insanity did start to grip me as well. However, owing to a few good friends, colleagues and hit and try, I have become slightly sane.
The below 5 attitudes and way of life does help. I am no preacher or healer but it does help.
1. This too shall pass
Time flies when times are good and Time stops when the we are into trouble.
Take this time as a challenge and remember that this too shall pass. Time has never stood still. While in discussion with a very knowledgeable individual yesterday, he said that good or bad, time would pass.
It is upto you whether you spend this time cursing and repenting or making the best of it.
2. Be Grateful for what you have
It is times like these that you start believing in a higher force driving things much beyond our control. It is times like these that you start appreciating the small things in life. It may be as simple as birds singing on the trees, celebrating virtually your niece birthday or the birthday of an elderly living miles away.
These times make you realise how lucky you are to have a family, friends and colleagues who care.
Each night before you go to sleep and every morning when you get up, just spend 5 mins to be grateful for what you have and how lucky you are. Say “Thanks” for everything.
3. Overexposure to Media does not help
Exposure to media (social, TV, printed) is good but over exposure just makes things worse. I am not saying you follow an ostrich approach but have a balanced approach to your exposure. Just looking at the news or social feeds day in and day out simply makes the world looks gloomier than what it already is.
Plus you don’t know what is genuine and what are rumours. You don’t want to be spreading rumours for additional panic.
Looking at the news once during the day is enough, preferably not as soon as you get up or before you go to bed.
4. Exercise and Meditate
During the normal days, we always wanted to spend time on our wellbeing – body and mind. This was often ignored due to travels, steep working hours, social engagements etc.
This is a perfect time to find that time for yourself during the day. I found very innovative ideas. Simply walk in the house. I know people clocking 10k steps a day just by walking inside the house.
Meditate. It does help. Just 5-10 minutes a day makes you feel positive.
5. Spend time with your loved ones
Often in our daily routine we had forgotten about the ones who matter the most. One tends to take them for granted. Now that you are working from home spend time with your family, your kids, your parents. Take some time out to either watch a movie, discuss matters or simply share jokes.
Do a video call with your friends and colleagues.
Spending quality time with your near and dear ones gets your mind off the insanity all around.
6. Work and Office is a must to get business going
In all this we must not forget the work to be the most critical element. We need to get the ball rolling. This time can be utilised to Pause, Think and Reboot yourself and your thoughts for the betterment of your team and the organisation in general.
During these times reinvented a lot of working methologies and ideologies. The idea of knowledge sharing across geographies is one which has gained a lot of appreciation throughout.
These are not prescriptions and in no ways preachings. These are just experiences which are helping me stay sane. The entropy all around is crazy and is bound to create an atmosphere of negativity.
Hope these are useful to find your peace…
