Wellness activities best to beat stress of covid

Being in Goa, the access to open spaces has made it easier for youngsters to move around and get some fresh air during the pandemic, while avoiding crowds and socially distancing. Here’s what’s helping a lot of young people get through their day.
Sunrise and sunset walks help
Starting the day with a walk and being amid nature has been therapeutic for a few.Jigyasaa Malhotra from Soccoro, started waking up at 5.30am to head for sunrise walks, tells us, “Watching the sunrise every morning and just being surrounded by nature has been therapeutic for me. Since I would travel a lot earlier, staying indoors was affecting my mental health and these walks make me feel better. I go to backwaters close to home or just visit any nearby villages, lakes, roads surrounded by fields and so on.” She walks five kms every day. For some, it also becomes a chance to explore beautiful spots in the hinterlands, with no one around.
Vandita Khandolkar from Corlim says, “I decided to explore beautiful spots in my own village. I take routes where I can see sunrise and sunsets and spot a variety of birds in the morning. Waking up early and exercising keeps me physically fit and uplifts my mood,” she says.
The 4am club
If you follow travel creator Larissa D’sa, who’s based in a village in Bardez, on Instagram, you know she’s been waking up at 4am since one month. What you may not know is, now, there’s a community of over 4,000 people, doing the same. “When you wake up earlier than your usual time and sleep for an hour in the afternoon, your day is more productive. It helps being in Goa. I can actually see the break of dawn, mentally it’s very calming. My mental and physical health has shot up.”
Beach runs
Artist Siddharth Kerkar along with his friend Prasad, go on five-10 km run, on the beach or fields, since gyms are shut. “We go to places where there aren’t too many people. The waves, the fresh air and calm truly helps me start the day,” he says. He collects drift wood that’s washed ashore and creates paintings and sculptures with them. Morjim-based model and actor, Prateek Jain, has been regularly running on Morjim beach, to add variety to his workouts. “Running and workout gives me an adrenaline rush,” he says.
Cycling, kayaking and more!
Many have been opting for cycling in the hills, swimming in natural water bodies or kayaking. Anagh Kudalkar from Bicholim has been going on sunrise cycle rides and exploring some scenic spots. “It helps me stay fit and also uplifts my mood. The roads are empty in the morning, and it feels safe.” Events planner Fred D’souza from Porvorim has resumed his daily five-10km run to form some sort of discipline during the lockdown. To add some variation, he has been going kayaking with friends at some offbeat spots. “I feel healthier and stronger,” he says. Several locals have been kayaking and swimming in water bodies in the villages.