Transformation Coach and Founder of Katalist

Worry and anxiety are common problems at the best of times and with Covid-19, they can become all-encompassing. The lockdown has resulted in many people facing loneliness being separated from family, job loss, loss of a loved one, fear of stepping out etc For most people it has also led to additional domestic work and extended work hours. All these can be causes for anxiety, fear, stress and depression.

Originally, stress was Nature’s way of keeping us alive! To help us respond to danger in the optimum way – whether Fight or Flight. Stress has a powerful impact on various aspects of our life—not only can it affect our mood, energy level, relationships, and work performance, stress can also cause and aggravate a wide variety of health conditions. At work it can lead to difficulty in making decisions, dread of workdays, wanting to avoid or leave work, emotional swings at work etc. We often respond to stressful events in ways that are not particularly helpful. Sometimes our attitudes become negative, defeatist, or worrisome, which can make it difficult to mindfully deal with stress.

Several of my clients have experienced a major upheaval in their life patterns and this is affecting each one differently. While some have come to terms with it much faster, some have become edgy or fearful. Many have needed support in realigning their personal and professional priorities and learn to juggle the ‘new normal’ schedules. Yet again some have discovered the joys of re-inventing their business or finding a new work-life balance.

Stress, worry, anxiety all feed on constant thinking of the same negative thoughts. Its like being on a treadmill which has no stop button. The only thing you can do to save yourself is to slow down and jump off. To keep stress away, spend some time everyday doing something you love – art, music, exercise, reading etc. Yoga and meditation are also great stress busters and help you to control your thoughts and be calm. Lastly, focus on things which you are grateful for. All these are ways to lift your frequency of thought and pull you away from negativity and stress.

We cannot change the external situation, but we can change the way we respond to it. Let us use this as a chance to dig deep within us and find an untapped strength.

To read more such articles visit www.katalist.net.in