Tips to stimulate the brain during a lockdown

The whole world is in the midst of an unprecedented lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. People everywhere are spending long periods of time indoors, and this is having a detrimental effect on their health, both mental and physical.

Following are some of the steps that we can take to stimulate the brain and hence our mental health.

1. If you or anyone in your family is on medication, maintain the stock, and make sure it is taken regularly. 
2. In house exercise routine: a regular exercise routine is not just a way to kill time, but also to stay healthy. A healthy mind in a healthy body. And, if we can make it a family affair, the better it is. The family that exercises together, stays together. The internet is brimming with resources, from old fashioned PT exercises to newer specialised ones. But, do consult with your doctor before you do.
3. Meditation and/or breathing: meditation works, and has been shown to reduce anxiety, depression and sometimes increase brain volume in specific areas. If that is not your thing, then just breathe. Yes, you already do that but start doing so in a focussed manner. It increases blood oxygen levels and reduces stress levels.
4. Maintain or renew social or community connections: take that phone, call your friends, family, neighbours. Check up on their affairs, connect with them. We are social animals, we need this connection. Make it; keep it.
5. Brain exercise: Anything that gives your brain a workout is acceptable. Puzzles of all kinds; chess, Go, knowledge quizzes. It is not the winning, but the playing, the together time, that matters.

Remember, the pandemic is not going anywhere soon. But, that does not mean we should give up.  Stay healthy, stay safe.

Reviewed By: Dr Shyam Sundar K
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