This year has been tough. We talked to our dance fam about how they’ve looked after their mental health during lockdown. Here’s what some of them have shared:
Anagha: Waking up every morning & thinking of all that I was still blessed to have, what other people have lost, has kept me going. I’ve started long walks, being consciously aware of nature & thinking good thoughts.
🌻
Shivi: As a single mum of one kid, lockdown was a roller coaster. My main strategy was not to be too harsh on myself. It’s okay to have some lazy days. Plus taking a day or two away from social media was great. It can be stressful seeing people doing so many different things & to start comparing. Plus I don’t hold my emotions inside; I make sure I reach out to family & friends when I need to.
💛
Ben: I go for a long walk every day. I also started learning a musical instrument, the clarinet, to make use of the extra time at home.
🎷
Dharsh: Online dance classes, meditation & zoom chats. But Stan & Netflix have been my best friends.
📺
Kat: Being an introvert, I haven’t found the lockdown to be so bad. However, I struggled with the stress of a very busy job and 2 kids at home. I find movement & exercise extremely beneficial for mental wellbeing. A friend & I also do regular online mehndi dates – we drink tea & do mehndi on ourselves while we chat. I’ve also enrolled in an online Trauma Sensitive Yoga course & I’ve started learning Hindi.
🕉️
Magda: Jogging whilst listening to music or podcasts always makes me feel better, even if I’ve had to force myself in the first place. I’ve also enjoyed walks with my husband & with friends who live nearby – which gives me much needed social interaction. Online classes including yoga & Studio J classes have also been great not only for the physical benefits but also to have a sense of community & for the opportunity to have a laugh with others.
💃🏽
Divya: I wouldn’t say I managed lockdown very well, it’s been tough, though a couple of things that helped me are a gratitude journal & staying creative.
✍🏽
Jaya: Having a pet (Cookie!!) has been a godsend during lockdown. He’s such a stress buster & provides an endless supply of doggy love.
🐶
By Joshinder Chaggar
10 October 2020