Finding Your Calm - Amidst The Covid-19 Chaos

Have you been snapping lately, or finding yourself in a constant state of anxiety, fuelled by an addled brain? Or do you find yourself oscillating between a gamut of emotions—a bit too overwhelming to be processed easily? Fret not, as what you might be experiencing is perfectly normal, at least in a life altered by the coronavirus outbreak. Ever since the pandemic has forced people to practice social distancing and self-quarantine to flatten the curve, it has also set stress levels shooting through the roof as each one of us struggles to find our feet during the lockdown. And, it’s imperative that one guards their mental well-being along with physical fitness to wade through it. Let’s meet our experts who are helping people preserve their sanity during this hour, when it matters the most

The Art of Healing

Are you stressed out or anxious because of the lockdown? Pune-based artist Rasika Tanmay Mehta explains how art therapy can help you find inner peace amidst this crisis, says Radhika Sathe-Patwardhan

The stress levels induced by the COVID-19 lockdown can reach staggering heights as you might find it tough to adjust to a new routine. This includes balancing personal (household chores, cooking, and handling kids), and professional (work from home) responsibilities. What you need is some downtime where you can get away from it all, and bust that stress. A 2016 study on ‘Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants’ Responses Following Art Making’, published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association by Girija Kaimal, Kendra Ray and Juan Muniz found that just 45 minutes of creative activity can reduce your stress, regardless of artistic experience or talent. Those who participated in this study were given a few questions, and their responses showed that the ‘art-making’ session was enjoyable, relaxing, and helped them learn new aspects about themselves.

Pune-based Rasika Tanmay Mehta, artist and founder, Ekattha– The Art Factory, is helping people by giving them the opportunity to de-stress through art therapy. “Art teaches people to live life and gives a purpose. It brings happiness, positivity, helps in staying focused, and most importantly, brings out the creativity in people. Tough times make people tougher, and, today, art is keeping many physically and mentally active,” says Mehta. “One can work on simple art forms like doodling, sketching, painting or even calligraphy, or can indulge in craft ideas such as origami, paper marbling, and matchbox art along with other family members,” she explains.