The ongoing covid wave in Australia has been overwhelming, to say the least. Just when positive news poured from across the world about vaccination, Australia was engulfed in its severest wave since the pandemic outbreak.
For the Indian community living in Australia, the lockdown has been particularly distressing. It came upon them just as they were recovering from the mental anguish of seeing their loved ones go through a deadly wave back home. Moreover, the fact that they have been unable to see their families has added to their angst.
In these times, when there are restrictions on movement and the general sentiment is not so optimistic, you may not feel your usual self. While this is normal, acknowledging that something is amiss and working out a routine can pave the way forward.
Acknowledge that it has been tough
The pandemic has spared no one and has changed life as we knew it. It has altered the way we think, our behaviours and our relationships. More than anything, it has changed the way we feel safe.
In this scenario, it is normal to feel low. Instead of fighting your thoughts and putting on a brave front, allow yourself to acknowledge your feelings. If you are unable to give your hundred percent at work, try to take a break. If there has been a casualty in the family, allow yourself to grieve. If you feel like doing something close to home, anything Indian, maybe a traditional dinner or just rejuvenating yourself, get on desi pedia, your one stop shop app.
Make time for yourself
Now is a time when the person you need the most to stand by yourself is you. Before this pandemic, things were different. You could have thrived despite constantly being in the ON mode. However, it is not the same anymore. You need to take care of your mental and physical health to survive this time.
When you have the responsibility to look after your family, work and home, making time for yourself can be challenging. You can do this by waking up early in the morning. You can use this time to exercise, read, listen to music, join a yoga class on Desi Pedia (a platform for Indians living abroad) or simply brew your favourite cuppa. The point is to give your day a slow start to energise yourself for what lies ahead.
Plan your day
When you are constantly jumping from one task to the other, you may feel overwhelmed. There are chances that you will miss out on something important, and that may upset your routine. To avoid this, make a to-do list the night before. This way, you will be equipped to manage any urgent tasks. Moreover, when you write it down, you don’t have to remember things. Secondly, as you strike off items from your list, you will feel you are in control.
Exercise
Despite the fact that you cannot go out for walks or visit your gym, this is a time when your body and mind needs exercise the most. When you work out, your body releases feel-good hormones that help you cope with stress. When you exercise before starting your day, you feel more energised and motivated to take on your responsibilities.
Reach out for help
It is always a good idea to reach out to your friends and family if you feel the stress in your life is becoming too overwhelming. You will not believe how a 20-minute chat with your close ones can recharge you to take on fresh challenges. Reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness but empowers you to deal with something that has been bothering you. You can also seek professional help if you feel lonely amidst company, lack concentration or have a general feeling of doom that seems to have overpowered your thinking. If you feel like you’d be more comfortable talking to other Desis connect with the Desipedia family to find Indian professionals to help you.