Panic. Nerves. Anxiety.

Why you need yourself more than ever by Ankit Mathur, Associate Creative Director

I’m no expert at any of the above, but I’ve experienced episodes of each of them — through my own emotions or those close to me. This is a letter to say that it’s okay to feel either or all of them. Today, through this pandemic or in life.

A few suggestions I can make from personal experience.

1. If you feel overwhelmed, arrested, or dazed, speak to someone near you. Just be honest, say the words: I can’t relax. Can’t calm down. Or, you need them to speak to you. Or, you need them to lie to you that everything is OK.
   Do it when you can tell them how you’re feeling before it gets worse and you won’t be able to explain what the heck happened.
2. Take a deep breath. Hold for three seconds. Exhale. Do this a few times until your sweating, tears, or just discomfort fades a bit. If you have a large window, go to it. Look at nature. Look at the leaves, look at the silly pigeons, look for squirrels or the local “Gunda” dogs in the streets. Inhale, hold for 3 seconds, and exhale.
3. Have a glass of cold water. Water is brilliant, people. A chilled glass of water can help the nerves. Not immediately. But slowly. Nothing is immediate.
4. Lie down for a while. Maybe play a game on your phone that either makes you laugh, or makes you think, or has a soundtrack that you love.

Once you feel better, try to do something tangible. Like text someone (just like that!) or take a photo of your cat or dog and send it to a friend. Make your family or partner a cup of coffee (get your mind to think about water/milk proportions). Do something that activates your skills, intelligence, or requires you to be very you.

If you still need help, avoid reading too much online and contact an expert. Slowly, but eventually, the feeling of being overwhelmed will fade.

Take care,
Ankit

PS: Life may not give us a break, but we can give ourselves that. And we must.