The modern world is a risky place and gives rise to many well-founded fears. The issue is that these fears create new risks for our health. For our own well-being, this needs to be addressed on priority. 

While speaking to a renowned psychiatrist, it was found that this pandemic outbreak and social distancing was one of the reasons for the latest flurry of calls to his clinic. These fears not only gave rise to anxiety but had other implications on the human body as well - physically, mentally and emotionally. 

It is essential to understand what has happened during this pandemic outbreak before taking a look at how to stay healthy during this phase. 

COVID-19: The Pandemic 

The novel coronavirus disease that has emerged into our lives has hit the world in an unprecedented way. The highly contagious virus causes severe respiratory issues leading to deaths across the globe. It has quickly impacted governments and private industries alike. A public health emergency of international and national concern has been raised. 

It is time to adopt extraordinary measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus and prevent contagion. Millions of lives have been significantly altered, and a global, multi-level, and demanding stress-coping-adjustment process is ongoing. 

COVID-19: The implications 

The disease has reached pandemic status. We need to adopt measures for managing the issue from both a psychological as well as biomedical perspectives. Preventive action is more critical than ever. Having said that, handling the implications of the COVID-19 lockdown is also critical. It is not just about those who have been affected by the virus, but also the health conditions of those who are locked down at home to keep the virus away. 

India has been under nationwide lockdown since March 25 that was supposed to end on April 14. However, owing to the adverse situation, the government extended the lockdown till May 31st, by which time, India would complete 65 days of lockdown.

So whether or not India needs to extend the lockdown will depend on recovery rates, reduction in rising cases and other factors.

Having said that, we need to now understand the new definition of health during the pandemic outbreak. 

COVID-19: The physical, mental and emotional impact 

Starting with the obvious here, lockdown means no stepping out of the houses. This has resulted in no social life, no working out in the open and heightened professional insecurities to many. Weight gain is natural, thanks to stress-eating, boredom-eating and lack of physical activity. The added weight brings health issues in the heart. Over-eating takes its toll on the stomach and kidney. An unhealthy diet brings about increased cholesterol and sugar levels in the blood. 

The sad part is that the consequences are not seen instantly. The long-term implications are more dangerous. 

Coming to the mental and emotional part now

The fear and stress of any nature heighten the risk of both minor and major mental illnesses. The risk of mental and emotional illness is greater when we find it hard to adjust to the stress and fear. The risk is increased not just in the immediate future, but even years after this lockdown has passed. In some ways, this is like imprinting a vulnerability into neuronal circuits.

The adaptive habits necessitated by the lockdown may surge in the coming months, and by then, the repercussions may be too strong to bear. This is because of the impact the lockdown has on the mental and emotional state. 

With over 2.6 billion people around the world affected by the lockdown, we are knowingly and unknowingly participating in arguably the most massive psychological experiment ever. The secondary wave of stress-related illnesses and burnouts is not too far away. 

We are talking about a wide range of signs related to low mood, stress, insomnia, irritability, anxiety and emotional exhaustion. This could lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms and depression if nothing is done about it. 

Statistics and past similar experiences show high-depressive symptoms that last upto three years after the quarantine. That is a scary number. Another study reporting on the long-term effects of the SARS quarantine among healthcare workers and patients found a long-term risk for alcohol abuse, self-medication and long-lasting “avoidance” behaviour. 

Taking action now can mitigate the toxic effects of COVID-19 lockdowns. We need healthy, happy minds and bodies ready to get back into the world when the lockdown is over. We need to repair the economy and avoid other symptoms such as burnouts and absenteeism, to prevent the economy from growing back. 

COVID-19: Best health ideas

There are some things that you can tell yourselves to stay fit in every way. Do follow these best practices during the COVID-19 to come out of it unharmed and healthy in a holistic approach - physically, mentally and emotionally. 

• Remind yourselves that this is only a temporary phase. The goal is to slow the spread of the virus. Understand the bigger picture and fight it out. 
• Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues whenever you can. Or when you feel claustrophobic and helpless. Technology has provided you with various ways to reach out to anyone who you think could help you feel better. 
• Take time off from house chores and work to engage in hobbies and healthy activities. It could be anything that would relax you - music, exercising or reading, for example. 
• Eat well, ensure a balanced diet and maintain a regular sleep routine with at least 7 hours. 
• Those working from home must work on their work-life balance to avoid being burnt out. 

COVID-19: Ayurveda Health Tips 

How Maharishi Ayurveda can help you fight this phase and more 

Maharishi Ayurveda offers various health supplements and remedial treatments that enable you to prevent and cure illnesses that could hit you during this COVID-19 lockdown. Be prepared for the future with our different Ayurvedic Products. 

Amlant: It is normal but to eat when you are stressed or bored. Over-eating becomes a habit in such a constrained environment. Amlant is here to ensure that you tackle all digestive problems and related acidity issues that come with the binge-eating. Amlant combines the goodness of 15 Ayurvedic herbs to control the excess acid formation in your stomach and provide long-lasting relief.

Kasni: If the house is not dusted correctly or if you are not exposing yourselves to fresh air, you are bound to develop respiratory problems along with allergic reactions. Maharishi Ayurveda’s Kasni is a naturally ayurvedic cough syrup that provides instant relief and cures all kinds of coughs. Being paraben-free and alcohol-free, Kasni is safe for all ages with a non-addictive and non drowsy formula. Additionally, it does not come with the risks of conventional antacids like Ranitindine. It keeps your respiratory tract safe and is soothing to your throat.

Raktda: Despite regular intake of nourishing food, we do end up being iron-deficient. Maharishi Ayurveda’s Raktda brings you an unassailable way of ensuring healthy levels of iron in your body. Iron Bhasma in micronized particles, enhances the body to absorb iron naturally from your diet without any side effects. It is enriched with Vitamin C, which also enables better iron absorption by the body. 

Amrit Kalash: The stress of the lockdown, along with the lack of physical liberties, can affect your mental state of mind. To achieve longevity, one must take proper care of their body and mind along with following ethical conduct in their life. Maharishi’s Amrit Kalash is a well-known and successful Rasayana for restoring your health, longevity, and overall well-being. Amrit Kalash’s incredible immunity boosters are proven in over fifty scientific studies. Being a combination of all-natural and powerful herbs, this elixir of life is a must if you want to restore your physical and mental health.

It is best to stop any illness by solving the cause. It is also best to avoid chemicals in the cure because they are bound to have other side effects. Get to the root of the problem with a time-tested and thoroughly researched Ayurvedic medicine. 

Maharishi Ayurveda is not just a home remedy but an Ayurvedic treatment with an extra touch. A team of professionals have researched and chosen the proven ingredients for the formulation. Bring home a combination of traditional knowledge with modern science to get the best of both worlds.  

This is the new definition of health during the pandemic outbreak. It is time to adopt ayurveda health tips and adapt to it peacefully to ensure that we get out of it healthily and happily.