It's so true when someone says we can't predict the future. We can never be truly prepared for what's coming. The current health crisis is probably its biggest flex.
Who would have thought that what at first seemed to be just 21 days of lockdown would turn into months and years of being stuck inside our homes? Who would have thought we could attend schools from our beds?
Who would have thought that our dream of working from home, with our furry friends on our laps, could also exhaust us?
Who would've thought, right?
This pandemic has changed our way of living. The initial feeling of relief and excitement has now worn out, and a deep sense of exhaustion has grown on us. And why wouldn't it? We've been locked up inside for so long that we've stopped counting the days. We won't be lying if we say that existing feels like a chore nowadays.
And it's obvious. Staying in all day, within the same four walls, can get pretty bad. But it's now the final predicament. There are ways we can shoo away that mental fatigue and catalyze all the good that's left.
Now, we are no Gurus. But here’s a list of the Do's and Don'ts that we think will help.
The Dos:
Sitting all day in front of the laptop can make us gloomy. And what's better than basking in the warmth of the sun? It's true. Sunbathing can be a great way to energize and rekindle by breaking the monotony of a closed room. So, go out and read the rest of the blog in the sun. You'll feel better.
When you get exhausted, try to do things that lift up your mood. And what's better than playing a round of Snakes and Ladders or Lodu with La Familia? Feel the sheer joy of seeing your sibling falling down to the bottom right when they were boasting about reaching the top before you. Or soak in the pleasure of holding a +4 UNO card and throwing it right when your mother was planning to win. It's the little things that matter.
"But I don't know HOW to dance!" We knew you'd say that. But what about the naagin moves you rocked back in your cousin's shaadi? C'mon, you can't say no to this. We know you know. We bet you're already reliving those moves in your head, aren't ya? So, enough of shying. Do a midnight solo dance party or jam to your favourite songs with your family. Gather everyone and blast your favourite Daler Mehndi on our Aavante Soundbars. Why Aavante, though? Because didn't we just give you this idea? ;) Jk. We would love to be a part of your happiness. :’)
It might sound too demanding, and we won't say it's not, but the outcome is rewarding. Give yourself a 21-day challenge. Trying something new will always make you look forward to tomorrow. Whether it is journaling or painting, or learning an instrument, utilise your time to learn something new and see the difference yourself.
No, not the tasks! Please, don't skip the tasks. We don't want your boss to blame us for giving you this idea. What we mean is: Exercise. Skip that rope, do your lunges, take time to breathe, and then start all over again. We function better when we exercise, both physically and mentally.
Don't trust us? Here's the proof: Decoding How Daily Workout Improves Your Mental Health
The Don’ts (shaking our heads in disapproval)
We cannot stress this enough. Breaks are absolutely necessary. No one can wake up and sit in front of the screen until the work is over. Even if you can, we strongly recommend you not to do it. Go take a stroll or do something other than work. This also tends to improve your productivity when you resume your work.
If you keep your eyes glued to the screen, you are sure to harm them and feel exhausted by the end of the day. Give your eyes some rest. Make sure you keep track of your screen time and take some time in between to give your eyes a break.
Let us guess. You are on your phone or laptop right now, like a couch potato, lying down in a weird position that could scare off even Aliens. STOP IT already, bestie. Try keeping a decent posture while you're working and avoid the backaches that parents got in their 60s.
We know what work from home is like. You can sit on your bed, covered with sheets, and work just like that. But no, my friend. That is not what we would suggest. Working from home is comfortable, we agree. But we also agree that you should work sitting on a proper table and chair. This increases productivity and helps you not to laze around.
It's super important to adapt practices for the betterment of your mental health. But this time, we're asking you to give up a habit you hold very dear. Worrying about things that you can't control only makes things worse. We'd suggest you stay away from this practice and rather try meditating.
See, we know things are just getting tougher by the day. But don't worry, try adapting some good practices (like reading our blogs), and we'll see it through together.
Adios Amigos!
