Exercise, nutritious food can keep Covid stress, anxiety at bay: Docs

JAIPUR: Regular exercise, nutritious food and a daily dose of positive attitude can keep fear and emotional upheavals brought about by the pandemic at bay, say experts.

“I advise people to make a daily time table for themselves. Take adequate sleep, drink more water and spend minimum time consuming news if it intensifies their worries,” said Dr Ram Kumar Solanki, head of psychiatry unit at the SMS hospital.

Solanki added that many people have reported a heightened sense of fear as news of the pandemic keeps pouring. “It is important to speak to friends and relatives over phone regularly. Also, one must keep a positive attitude that like other storms, this too will pass,” he said.

Dr Akhilesh Jain, head of the psychiatry department at ESI Model Hospital in Jaipur, said that a large number of people have consulted him, seeing advise to overcome the anxiety and fear on account of increasing cases of Covid-19 and the rising deaths.

He said that in such a situation, it is important to first quickly ward off any sense of lingering fear and look at the situation pragmatically. “Unlike the previous wave, people now are very much informed about the infection and reasons for its spread. Secondly, vaccines are also available now which greatly helps to undermine the virus. Acknowledging all these facts reduce fear and offers much to be hopeful about,” he added.

According to Jain, anyone who is experiencing a tinge of worry and fear, must do regular Yoga, meditation and other exercises at home, and explore one’s inner artist. “It is important people shun alcohol and other addictive drugs,” he said, adding that reading positive books and stories can help minimize stress. “We must refrain from readily believing any information, and should rely on doctors instead. Also, keep in touch with your friends and family members too, it helps immensely,” he said.