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01/75 emotions which are absolutely normal to feel during the lockdown

With the countrywide lockdown in India extending till the 3rd of May, almost all the countries across the globe are imposing a strict lockdown in a bid to contain the novel coronavirus. This simply means that our lives will continue to change for a while and we may need to rebuild our lives around this new normalcy.

We are in the midst of a global pandemic right now and there is no denying that fear and anxiety about the spread of a disease can be incredibly overwhelming. While the reactions may vary from person to person, it is important to remember that whatever you may be feeling right now, it is absolutely valid.

02/7​You are not alone

As social media platforms continue to churn out one productivity contest after another (hello, dalgona coffee), it becomes even more essential to remind ourselves that it is okay to feel worried, anxious, stressed, lonely and even frustrated at the outbreak and its aftermath.

If you tried to ride the wave of these #productivitychallenges and ended up feeling bitter and frustrated, it is important to let go of the guilt that you are not doing enough. Even if it feels otherwise, you will be surprised to know that a lot of people may actually relate to your emotional experiences during the coronavirus outbreak and lockdown, because just like you, they are also puzzled with what they are feeling.

Remember it is normal to feel the following emotions:

03/7​You are burnt out with work from home

While work from home may look like a sweet deal during normal circumstances (read when we are not battling a pandemic), the balance between office and personal space has certainly gone for a toss for most people. While working parents are busy handling toddlers (and teens) and juggling work calls, a household where the majority of people are working from home isn’t exactly comfortable either.

Additionally, unlike office where one could get up from the seat and take a break, remote working doesn’t provide that luxury. Most employees have developed a tendency to respond to emails, assignments and work calls within minutes, which leaves them with more work to be completed. So, if you are struggling to balance work from home and working for home, be rest assured that you are not alone.READMORE

04/7​You feel like you are wasting your time

With the array of social media challenges and bloggers that have mushroomed overnight, it is quite natural to feel that you are not productive enough. Even though you are constantly battling against time to complete the deadlines at work and ensuring that your home looks like home, the guilt may still creep in.

Sadly, in this bizarre display of taking online classes, learning a language or skill and rekindling the affair with a long-lost hobby, we forget that it is enough to survive this pandemic. Remember, it is not a productivity contest and we are not here to have a ball of a time at home. Let’s focus on making it one day at a time and not get crushed by the guilt of not doing enough.

05/7​You feel hopeless

With the rising number of coronavirus fatalities and positive cases, it is honestly difficult to stay hopeful and positive. So, if you feel that there is a lot going on and you are not able to process it positivity, take a step back. So, switch off that breaking news update and resist the temptation to constantly check on coronavirus data. While there is no wrong or right way to deal with the situation in hand, remember it is totally natural to feel hopeless and frustrated at the circumstances.

06/7​You feel lonely and crave human touch

With the extension of lockdown in India, it can be an even more difficult time for those living away from the comfort of their homes. Between staying alone and getting worried about the safety of loved ones, you are not the only one who is fighting bouts of loneliness. While Facetime and Zoom calls have certainly helped in bridging the distance, it is normal to crave for a human touch.

07/7​You feel overwhelmed and anxious

A large scale crisis like this is bound to stir an internal turmoil in many individuals. Like we have said before, the reaction to the pandemic varies from a person to person, and if it has left you feeling overwhelmed and anxious, remember that you are adjusting to a new normal. It is important to be kinder on yourself and remind yourself that you are dealing with the situation in the best way possible.