{"id":15827,"date":"2020-08-10T14:15:10","date_gmt":"2020-08-10T08:45:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yourdost.com\/blog\/?p=15827"},"modified":"2020-08-11T14:00:14","modified_gmt":"2020-08-11T08:30:14","slug":"new-normal-after-lockdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yourdost.com\/blog\/2020\/08\/new-normal-after-lockdown.html","title":{"rendered":"A New Normal – Life After Lockdown"},"content":{"rendered":"

Life as we knew it was thrown into turmoil when on 24th March, 2020, the Indian government announced a nationwide lockdown, to \u201cflatten the curve\u201d in our battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The impact of this pandemic on the economy, employment and our society in general, has been massive. Even more alarming is it\u2019s impact on the nation\u2019s mental health.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to a recent study<\/a> conducted by YourDOST, Over 55% of Indians have experienced a rise in their stress levels during the lockdown. Additionally, feelings of anxiety, anger and loneliness have also increased immensely with a net increase of 41%, 38% and 29% respectively.<\/span><\/p>\n

Even as the lockdown is being lifted in most cities, it\u2019s highly unlikely that we\u2019ll be willing to risk flying in a plane, or for that matter, venturing into a mall or multiplex, anytime soon.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"90%<\/p>\n

Infact, according to the YourDOST study<\/a>, 90% of Indians residing in areas where lockdown has been lifted, are still uncomfortable with venturing out like they used to in pre-lockdown times. <\/span><\/p>\n

So what\u2019s stopping them from venturing out? There are two major reasons for this –<\/span><\/p>\n

\"80%<\/p>\n

1. An overwhelming majority of those who are reluctant to step out are afraid that they or their family members might contract COVID-19 if they do step out.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. The rest are avoiding stepping out as they feel that others will be hesitant to meet them in these circumstances.<\/span><\/p>\n

Considering how the number of COVID-19 positive cases continue to skyrocket nationwide, it\u2019s only fair to be wary of stepping out unless absolutely necessary. A word that is being thrown around a lot to describe these circumstances is \u201cThe New Normal\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

So how can we prepare ourselves for this \u201cnew normal\u201d to prevent the mental toll that it may take?<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Give Due Importance to Work\/Life Balance<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Work<\/p>\n

As per the YourDOST study<\/a>, 59% if Indians report being affected by a fall in work-life balance during the pandemic. This is worrying. A fall in work\/life balance if not corrected in a timely manner, it can cause chronic stress and even burnout. Studies clearly show that chronic stress leads to a constant release of the stress hormone cortisol which then suppresses the immune system. This makes us more vulnerable to the deadly consequences of COVID-19.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thus it has become all the more important that we put significant efforts into maintaining the precarious see-saw of work\/life balance. Some ways to do this are connecting regularly with loved ones virtually to stay connected and keep feelings of loneliness at bay. Additionally, it\u2019s important that we set aside time everyday to indulge in our hobbies to refresh the mind. If your favourite hobby involves venturing outdoors, it\u2019s a good idea to explore some new hobbies which can be engaged in indoors. Eg. Cooking, Yoga, Painting, Reading, etc.<\/p>\n

2. Get Your Beauty Sleep<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Beauty<\/p>\n

The country has experienced a significant fall in sleep quality with a net deterioration of 11% nationwide. Sleep is an extremely important aspect of maintaining our mental health. According to Harvard Medical School\u2019s Division of Sleep Medicine, lack of sleep substantially increases the risk of developing mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression.<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or sufficient sleep are more likely to fall sick after being exposed to a virus. In the midst of the current pandemic, which has been caused by a virus, this can even prove fatal.<\/span><\/p>\n

Experts all recommend that to sufficiently rest our body and mind, healthy adults must get an average of 7 to 9 hours per night of shuteye.<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve been struggling to get quality sleep lately, here\u2019s a simple exercise that can help you overcome that.<\/span><\/p>\n