Survival of the mentally fittest
Change is constant and inevitable. The ongoing global pandemic is believed to be once-in-a-lifetime chance to rebuild and strengthen our future. While the oil prices are all-time low, millions are losing their job, and industries are suffering; the researchers and scientists across the world are working tirelessly in finding the cure to the deadly disease.
So are the COVID-19 warriors, who are doing their best to take care of virus patients and at the same time ensure the containment of its spread. It may take months to return to normalcy. So, what makes the survival possible in such times? Physical health and social distancing are the keys. However, the prodigious rate at which the changes are taking place, it is imperative and even more essential to have a healthy and sane mind. Here is a list of 7 things we can follow to attain a sound mind amidst the global crisis: 1. NEGATIVE VS POSITIVE NEWS: We are into the fourth month of the pandemic. And courtesy social media and TV channels, we all already know enough about the virus and its details. However, one need not track deaths every day or the number of new cases in a day in a region. This unnecessarily creates more fear and panic in the minds. It’s wiser to follow the number of cases recovering and going home every day. Also, following the effective steps taken by the governments and staying appreciative of the collective efforts, shall surely help. 2. READ, READ AND READ: At a time when many renowned organisations and universities have opened up their libraries to the general public and provided access to thousands of resources and books, it is prudent to pick up your favourite books and engage in enrichment that we couldn’t do before. 3. JOIN AN ONLINE COURSE: Several universities and Internet platforms are providing a plethora of online courses in varied fields like management, data sciences, soft skills, relationships, social sciences, and like. It’s wonderful to keep oneself engaged with such courses and come out as an enlightened individual by the end of lockdown! 4. STICK TO A ROUTINE: Complacency and procrastination are some of the worst side effects of the lockdown mode. But planning the day well in advance eases out a lot of pressure and provides resilience. 5. EXERCISE: A sound body is the greatest asset and investment. Follow a regime even if it means walking around in the house for at least an hour of the day or skipping at a place. Switch on your favourite music during the home-based workouts. It surely releases those happy hormones and boosts immunity. 6. MEDITATION: When the mind is going through so much of chaos and clutter, practising meditation is the answer. There are a lot of apps that are providing mindfulness, peace, and meditation sessions for free these days. One just needs to enroll and find that one corner of the house to enjoy these sessions. 7. DO NOT GIVE UP HOPE: Always remember “this too shall pass”. If you feel low, look for an anchor to hold on to. Talk to close ones. Express and do not keep things inside.
Earth is in reboot mode. And so are we. The sun always sets to rise again, bright as ever. A problem always comes with a solution. The key is to have a positive mind and heart. The human race has the capability to withstand such pressures time & again and it has come out doing fairly well, every time.
As Darwin said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one which is most adaptive to change”. Let us embrace this change with positivity and hope. And by the time this is over, there will be one more perspective added to the Darwinian theory-survival of the Mentally Fittest, and we shall be the flagbearers of the same!
Physical health and social distancing are the keys. However, the prodigious rate at which the changes are taking place, it is imperative and even more essential to have a healthy and sane mind
The author is a HRM expert and is currently pursuing PHD in Organization Change Management.email: drpritiswarup@gmail.com