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Mental Health Tips To Cope With COVID Anxiety

cope with covid anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major effect on our lives. It’s normal to feel anxious and worried during a national crisis as we don’t know how long it will last and how it will impact our lives. This feeling can be quite stressful and overwhelming. One major reason could be social distancing, although necessary, it can make us feel isolated, lonely and may increase stress. To add to it, the COVID anxiety, wherein we’re in constant fear of contracting the virus. These factors can take a huge toll on our mental health. 

This stress can affect our health in different ways: 

  • Disturbed sleep
  • Eating a lot or eating very less
  • Excess use of tobacco or pan masala
  • Drinking alcohol more than usual to avoid stress and boredom
  • Feeling loneliness and helpless

Tips To Cope With COVID Anxiety 

While there might not be a lot you can do to control the situation, here are a few things you can do to preserve your mental health and cope with COVID anxiety. 

  1. Try to control the things which are in your hand, rather than focusing on the things which you can’t control – Do not think about the shortage of oxygen cylinders or medication. Think how you can make yourself more healthy so you don’t need an oxygen cylinder and medication to recover. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and work on improving your sleep.
  2. Structure your day and make time for yourself. It’s important to make time for activities you enjoy. Do what you like most like painting, cooking, playing games or an instrument, and so on.
  3. Make a list of your worries, write it down on a paper and try to write down possible solutions for each worry. It can facilitate problem solving and reduce anxiety.
  4. Limit checking updates on COVID-19 in news and social media as the more your mind focuses on worst case scenarios, the more anxious you will feel.
  5. Try to connect through a video call with your friends and family members who you have not visited for a long time. It will work as a tonic for your mental health.
  6. Practice Mindfulness, which in essence, translates to living in the present moment with acceptance and without judgment
  7. Try breathing in lavender or scented candles. The smell of lavender, sandalwood, orange, jasmine and rose have calming properties and it stimulates the part of the brain which controls our mood.

If COVID anxiety is getting the better of you, seek out professional help. You don’t have to do this alone. If you are experiencing an escalation of anxiety, ask knowledgeable people who can assist you through this difficult time. Most importantly, don’t lose hope. Things always get better with time! 

We hope this article helps you. Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more on managing COVID-19, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. To get these tips and support directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu 

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce 

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Symptoms To Watch Out For When RT PCR Tests Negative

RT PCR Tests NegativeEarlier in April, my cousin visited three hospitals in Delhi with his father, trying to get an oxygen bed for him. His father was tested negative for COVID-19 in the RT-PCR test, but was showing symptoms of the disease. His oxygen levels dropped to <90 and HRCT showed infection and pneumonia. Due to the false negative RT PCR Test report, his father had not received proper and timely treatment and after a week, the disease progressed and damaged more than 50% of his lungs. 

India is currently going through the second wave of COVID-19 and the virus is said to be more infectious than it was previously. Due to the new structure of the double and triple mutant variant of the virus, it is undetectable in the RT-PCR test. Earlier fever, cough and difficulty in breathing were said to be the most common symptoms of the deadly virus but now, it’s important to be aware of the newest symptoms (like diarrhoea, vomiting, conjunctivitis) to be able to identify them, to take timely treatment and avoid complications. It’s important to know the four broad factors which determine the accuracy of an RT-PCR test: the viral load in the person, the quality of sample collection and processing, the efficacy of the test kit itself, and also the benchmark for test interpretation. 

The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention added new triggers and updated the list of COVID-19 symptoms: 

  • Fever (mild or high)
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • Nasal congestion 
  • Loss of taste or smell
  • Skin rashes 
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps 
  • Red Eyes or conjunctivitis 
  • Hearing loss
  • Extreme lethargy and weakness
  • Dry mouth or not enough saliva
  • Confusion state and brain fog 

According to AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria, there is always a chance that it is a false negative, “If the test is not properly done or a swab is not taken properly, it shall be a false negative. If the symptoms are there and you have been in contact with a COVID positive person, then you must assume you are COVID positive too and take the necessary steps as any patient would,” 

Dr Anurag Agarwal, director of the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics said, “What people should remember is that PCR has a sensitivity of 70%. The load of the virus in one’s mouth and nose remain the highest a day before the symptoms start showing. Then the virus load gradually decreases. If people get tested late after 7 to 8 days, it is possible to get a negative test report because the virus may have travelled inside the body”.

So, the bottom line is this, if you test negative but still have any of the above-mentioned symptoms then take normal precautions as one would if tested positive. Consult a doctor and also isolate yourself, have plenty of fluids, a nutritional diet and supportive care. 

How To Manage Mild Symptoms If The RT PCR Tests Negative

If the RT PCR tests negative, and you have any of the above symptoms, here’s what you can do to manage the milder ones. 

  • Isolate yourself in a separate room with a working bathroom/toilet if possible.
  • Wear triple sharing masks covering your nose and mouth whenever you open the door. Those entering your room should do the same. Also, discard the mask after eight hours.
  • Make sure to wash your hands frequently with soap or use 70% alcohol-based sanitiser. You should also clean your room yourself with a disinfectant. 
  • If possible, open windows for better ventilation.
  • Utensils should be cleaned wearing gloves with soap. Best to use disposables and it is strongly advised not to use personal items with others.
  • Frequently check your temperature for mild fever, body ache can take a paracetamol or Dolo 650.
  • Monitor your oxygen levels at least every 4-6 hours. If your breaths are too fast, take a six-minute walk and try again.
  • Keep yourself hydrated and have a healthy diet even if you can’t taste or smell a thing. Proper hydration and a healthy diet will ensure a faster recovery.

Seek emergency medical care in any of these cases:

  • Oxygen level on oximeter shows less than 94%
  • Shortness of breath worsens
  • Lips or face turn blue-ish
  • Feeling of disorientation increases
  • Fever of 101 F (38C) persists for more than three days
  • If you feel tightness pain in the chest
  • Slurred speech or seizure
  • Unable to wake up or sudden and extreme weakness

We hope this article helps you! Do be aware of these symptoms and take necessary precautions if your RT PCR tests negative. 

To read more on COVID-19 management, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. To directly reach out to a GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu 

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce  

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COVID Care: Home Remedies For A Sore Throat

sore throat

A sore throat is one of the earliest symptoms of COVID-19 infection in the majority of the cases. It manifests as scratchiness and irritation to the throat lining that worsens with swallowing. A sore throat can make it painful to eat, swallow and even talk!

If you have a sore throat associated with COVID-19, below are some of the remedies that might help you. These remedies do not cure the viral disease, but they can make you more comfortable. If your symptom of sore throat worsen, causing difficulty in breathing, please seek emergency medical assistance without wasting any time.

Some of these emergency symptoms include:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extremely high temperature, 103 F or above
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Confusion
  • Severe cough with choking
  • Blue lips or face

Remedies For Soothing A Sore Throat

  1. Ginger Chips: Ingredients required – ginger root and honey. Wash an inch long piece of ginger root (Hindi name- Adrak) thoroughly, chop it into thin slices and pour a spoonful of honey to marinate them. Ginger chips are ready to be used. Keep one or two ginger chips in your mouth, upto maximum 6-8 in a day. Do not chew, just allow your salivary enzymes to dissolve the chip in your mouth slowly. 
  2. Clove water: Boil a jug of water and turn off the stove, put 3 whole cloves (Hindi name- Loung) in it. Drink this clove water throughout the day. For faster relief, keep 2 cloves in your mouth, do not chew or nibble, just let them stay in your mouth for salivary enzymes to work their magic. (If you have lost your taste due to COVID-19. clove can dramatically help you with taste too)
  3. Salt water gargle: Gargling with warm saline solution for soothing a sore throat is a well known, tried and tested remedy, before over the counter medicines became a norm. So, even if you feel gross about it, give it a try! In a glass of warm water, add 1/4th tsp salt and gargle with this water in your throat. For added benefit, add a pinch of turmeric or a dash of lemon or Apple cider vinegar in it. Make sure not to drink/swallow the salt water.

Please make sure that you do not ignore worsening symptoms and connect with your treating doctor at the earliest. We hope this article helps you. For more COVID-19 related articles and tips to boost your immunity, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to LIVE sessions by experts on GOQii Play. 

For further queries and to get these tips directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to GOQii now: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu  

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce 

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Healthy Ayurvedic Concoctions To Boost Immunity

ayurvedic concoctionsAyurveda, the “Science of Life” is an invaluable treasure to India from our ancestors which is trending even in the second wave of the current pandemic. According to classical texts, the aim of Ayurveda is “To maintain the health of a healthy person through prevention and to treat the health issues of a sick person”. Our body needs to maintain good metabolism and immunity to fight against foreign invaders like germs and other external disease-causing factors. So, it is critical for us to maintain and boost our immunity on a regular basis to maintain our health. Ayurvedic concoctions are the best and easy choice to make at home yourself and have it frequently.

Ayurvedic Concoctions can be basically made with dry herbs, or dry herb powders or some of the fresh herbs too. As the herbs are boiled in water, the water absorbs all the therapeutic properties from the herbs making it better for digestion and absorption into our body.

5 Varieties of Ayurvedic Concoctions For Immunity 

1. Turmeric-Pepper Concoction

Ingredients:

  • Turmeric powder –  ¼ tsp
  • Black pepper Powder –  ¼ tsp
  • Jeera –  ¼ tsp
  • Water – 1 glass
  • Lemon – 1 tsp 
  • Himalayan Pink salt/Sea salt/Rock salt  –  ¼ tsp

Method: Mix turmeric, pepper and jeera in water and boil it for 3-5 mins to bring it down to 1 cup of concoction. Add lemon and salt before you sip the warm concoction.

Benefits: 

  • The Cucumin in Turmeric is anti-inflammatory and has an immune modulatory effect which enhances metabolism and boosts immunity.
  • Piperine in Black Pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin making it a good combination with Turmeric. It is a rich antioxidant that prevents cell damage, increases  the absorption of essential nutrients like calcium and selenium, helps in easy digestion, and controls blood sugar levels.
  • Jeera is a great source of iron besides potassium, helps in building immune system
  • Lemon, high in Vitamin C can fight against bacterial and viral infections by enhancing immune system

2. Fenugreek-Coriander Concoction

Ingredients:  

  • Fenugreek/Methi seeds – ½ tsp
  • Coriander/Dhaniya seeds – ½ tsp
  • Water – 1.5 glass
  • Milk (Optional) – ¼ cup
  • Jaggery –  ¼ – ½ tsp 

Method: Soak Methi and Coriander seeds in 1.5 glass of water for 30-60 mins. Boil it for 5-8 mins to reduce it to ¾ cup. You can add milk at this stage and boil it for 1 more minute. Turn the heat off and add jaggery just before drinking.

Benefits:

  • Methi/Fenugreek may help to reduce the risk of bacterial fungal and viral infections. It generates heat in the body and is excellent for Kapha dominant people with weaker immunity.
  • Coriander has powerful antioxidants that prevent cellular damage caused by free radicals.
  • Jaggery is a natural sweetener rich in iron, zinc, and selenium.

3. Pomegranate Peel Concoction

Ingredients:

  • Peel of half pomegranate
  • Raw Honey – 1 tsp 
  • Water – 1 glass

Method: Boil a glass of water. Put the pomegranate peel in the boiling water. Let it boil for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and cover it for 15 minutes. Add 1 tsp of honey to the concoction, before you sip it warm.

Benefits:

  • Pomegranate peels help in restoring overall health. It acts as a liver detox. It soothes sore throat and stomach infections. It helps in dental hygiene and promotes healthy cell growth.
  • Pomegranate peels can be dried and stored as a powder or peel to use it for a long time.
  • Raw honey has healing, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Phytonutrients in honey can boost the immunity.

4. Licorice-Ginger Concoction 

Ingredients:

  • 1 inch Licorice root or ¼ tsp of licorice powder
  • 2-3 slices of ginger or ¼ tsp of ginger powder / ginger paste
  • Water – 1 glass
  • Raw Honey – 1 tsp 

Method: Heat 1 glass of water. Add ginger powder and licorice powder. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Add 1 tsp of honey before you enjoy this concoction.

Benefits: 

  • Licorice Cleanses respiratory system as it is a strong decongestant, a natural remedy for cold, cough, sore throat, and flu
  • Ginger is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory in nature and helpful in reducing cough. It also enhances the immune response and is good for digestion

5. Onion-Cinnamon Concoction

Ingredients:

  • Onion – 1 small (diced) 
  • Cardamom Powder – ½ tsp
  • Cinnamon Powder – ¼ tsp
  • Water – 2 cups 
  • Jaggery – 1 tsp 

Method: Bring 2 glasses of water to boil, add all the ingredients and bring it down to 1 cup of liquid.  Simmer for 15 mins and sip it while it is warm.

Benefits:

  • Onions are rich in flavonoids that help in fighting infections and inflammation. It is extremely useful in strengthening the capillary walls of the lungs and prevents the damage of bronchial tubes in any respiratory infections
  • Cardamom and Cinnamon are anti-inflammatory and effective remedies for cold, and flu as they impart warmth to our body. Both spices are among the ingredients in most commonly used Ayurvedic cough medicines like Sitopaladi churna and Thaleesapatradi churna.  

These Ayurvedic Concoctions can be consumed once at any time of the day for about 2-3 days in a week preferably with a gap to maintain the metabolism and boost the immunity. Children under the age of 12 can have ½ a cup of any of these. People with diabetes should be cautious about the amount of honey and jaggery that they add – lesser the better. These are just preventive remedies and effective with mild symptoms of flu or cough and cold. Medical advice is always suggested with moderate to severe symptoms.

Before trying any of these, do consult your doctor in case you have any allergies. Try these Ayurvedic Concoctions at home and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. For more Ayurvedic Remedies or immunity boosting tips, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to GOQii Play. 

To get these tips directly from your GOQii Coach, subscribe to personalized coaching here: https://goqiiapp.page.link/wssu

Stay home, stay safe, boost your immunity and #BeTheForce

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