Chennai: How many would have believed if someone predicted in January, 2020 that there would be lockdown across the globe and people would be confined to their homes fearing a virus soon? Many companies have granted work from home access to staff and many others downed their shutters.
With schools and colleges shut, no theatres, malls and prohibitory orders in place in India till 14 April, those at home are perplexed what to do indoors.
Speaking to News Today, Dr Kamesh, a psychiatrist in Kodambakkam, says, “Treat it as a welcome break. There may be some boredom but we should learn to overcome it. Let’s make it productive and interesting too”.
He says,”Begin the day with some light floor exercise. Then try solving a puzzle. You can watch movies you wanted to. But don’t hurry. You have three weeks on hand. So go slow”.
He adds, “Try you hands at meditation. Wash your own clothes. Doll-making or some craft work can be learnt through YouTube. It would keep you engaged with a purpose”. If your mom or wife is around, learn the art of cooking from them, he says and adds, “Try board games you’ve never played with the family. Encourage the family to play”.
“Music will soothe your mind. Play nice songs and encourage family members to sing along with you. Listening to music can help people in the face of a scary and stressful experience”.
Shoba, a counsellor, says,”Don’t speed much of your time before TV. Read books. Revisit your past by watching your old photo albums. Write letters to your relatives and send them through mail or WhatsApp. Call and share your joy and sorrow with friends as you gave time now”. If you need something to keep your brain stimulated, there are an abundance of online courses you could look into.
“Above all, sleep well for at least eight hours. Because a sleep-deprived body finds if harder to fight virus and infections”.