HR DIARY 2: Managing Stress During COVID19: What NOT to DO

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Staying and Working from Home are not what we are generally used to. We spend some of the most productive time - generally - 9 to 5 - in office or schools. So, the "new normal", requiring us to stay and work from home, is not "that normal" for us to accept. A lot has been written about what to do during this time. So here are a few things one may avoid, as far as possible, to not add further stress to their otherwise already stressed life:  

1. Do not access too much news about Corona/COVID19: All types of news sources will definitely report a lot related to the current pandemic. That is fine. It is their job. But it is not compulsory for us to keep referring to number of cases every single hour. Rather, read something positive. Websites like https://www.thebetterindia.com/ can be a good starting point. You can also watch comedy scenes or movies from sources like YouTube. Make an artificial effort to consume only positive content and also make an equal artificial report to keep away from over consuming negative news related to COVID19. Of course, you must be aware of what is going on, but, then, you are not a journalist (unless you a journalist is reading this), so take control of how much COVID19 related news you consume.

2. Give break to your laptop and mobile: Social media is other source from where you need to detach yourself a bit. Turn off mobile data when you sleep. Keep mobile eight feet away from your bed so that you have to reach out to it, which may discourage you from trying to touch it during the sleep. Keep a wrist watch near your pillow so that you do not have to touch mobile to know the time. In short, while it may not be possible to reduce the screen time, it is important to reduce the time spent on any form of social media. Choose to listen to Tibetian / Indian classical soothing music instead. Listening to anything you like is generally better than watching it over screen of mobile/laptop

3. Avoid discussing COVID19 with your friends / family: Doing so will undo good effects of above steps and reinforce the negativity that may come from the news related to pandemic. Choose to discuss anything positive, if nothing, then at least, find out that old photo album of children, marriage, birthday parties, picnics, holidays and tell your children about it. Once again, try to enjoy such moments artificially initially. Within a day or two, you will start enjoying this process!

4. Do not go overboard trying to do too many things: You always wanted to learn that guitar, or write that blog (!), or read those religious books and so on. There are wishes or targets that are unfulfilled. But if you try to do too many of those activities, they may add to stress. Rather than that, choose the most important one (as per your perception) and spend two to three hours on it daily. You can do normal things in other time. Getting over involved in such activities will not allow you to spend time with yourself and children. 

5. Do not play an astrologer: The world post COVID19 is going to be different. But do not take it too seriously as it is an UNKNOWN UNKNOWN territory. Yes, while you should learn a new skill during this time, you should not try to guess too much about what the future may look like. Be realistic and stick to your routine and strengths rather than worrying too much about the future. Rather, live in the moment and leave the worries of future. Of course, it should not stop you from doing good career and financial planning for future. But over-bothering about these issues is not going to help much.

6. It is ok to be frustrated-Do not try to do overacting of remaining positive: Accept that you will have rounds of stress and frustration during your stay at home. Acknowledge it, accept it and take the help of your family members to deal with it. That will help you deal with these things easily. Do not hesitate to take the counseling form a professional if such frustration does not go away in 24 to 48 hours. 

As a teacher who teaches Stress Management, I tried to write a practical article on how to deal with stress during this tough period, with a perspective of what not to do. Feedback is welcomed at pvariya@gmail.com

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