With so much happening around, youngsters share how they are dealing with everything going on, with NT KURIOCITY
The ongoing pandemic has made routines stressful for many people and has ruined many things in our lives, so coping with such traumas might be difficult. But currently I have been left with lots of time and voids in routine. However, there was not much stress or tension as I have kept myself busy with activities by our student organisation Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). Things like providing oximeters to affected people, delivering groceries, food packets, conducting blood donation camps and solving lots of basic queries of home isolated patients have kept me engaged. But yes, there was also some free time which I have utilised by drawing illustrations and reading. Needless to say, there’s some pain in our minds for our close ones who have succumbed to this pandemic. It will ofcourse take some time to recover till then we have to keep ourselves involved with something or the other, and pull through the best we can.
Shivam R Naik, Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda
As time went by and quarantine lifestyle became the new normal, leaving us with many adjustments, we all have felt the excruciating pain of our emotions. To cope and maintain positivity I write a gratitude journal before sleeping (writing 20 things I feel grateful for today). This exercise helps sets the tone for the next day as I sleep feeling grateful. I meditate to feel calm, peaceful and balanced. I’ve picked up new hobbies like improving communication skills and expanding consciousness to keep my mind busy along with other priorities such as my studies. To stay hopeful and for all those in need I pray.
Leontia Fernandes, St Xavier’s College, Mapusa
Right now, the situation is so intense that everywhere you look it is disheartening. Hanging out with friends and family like before is on a standstill until the situation improves. So, you’re left in your own bubble. At times it can get lonely. The way I cope with this is by keeping myself busy during most parts of the day. When the mind is kept occupied, it doesn’t get time to overthink. I take up simple tasks during my day which keep me engaged, like reading, completing my college work, preparing myself for my future endeavours. I often call my friends and family to see how they’re keeping, speaking to them eases my mental stress tremendously and is something one should definitely do to keep a healthy state of mind during these times.
Reuban Mascarenhas, Colva
Undoubtedly and unfortunately things aren’t good and normal outside. Most are missing physical meetings and gathering. I too longed for many things but I have found some ways to remain in touch with things I like to do. Gardening engulfs my major stress period and that’s the most productive hobby I have. Knowing the pain and workload on health care systems I tried to contribute from my side by working with a covid care center and helping people under home isolation by tele counselling and I have been part of community plantation drives as the rains have started. Household work leaves no space for rest, which I manage myself. Reading articles related to environment and climate change, talking to my friends when they are under mental stress and being a morale support is what I have liked doing so far. I also randomly call people of my age just to ask them about their whereabouts. I think one feels good when he/she is cared for, especially the aged. Since I have started my own business, I spend time doing some networking and honing business skills.
Kishan Mangueshkar, Shiroda
In these tough times, the only thing that keeps me going is taking things one day at a time. During this phase taking care of our mental health is of extreme importance. Keeping our mind healthy and peaceful should be our priority. Whenever we feel anxious or dull, practising gratitude and making it our daily habit can go a long way in keeping ourselves focused and relaxing our minds. Understanding the fact that this is just a phase can certainly help us. Keeping an optimistic approach, doing more of what makes us happy and having hope that we will get through this would make us strong and will definitely help us overcome this situation.
Tanisha Samant, V M Salgaocar College of Law, Miramar
