Deepika Padukone shares easy ways to handle mental health during lockdown

Actress Deepika Padukone is one of the leading stars who is credited with opening up and breaking the stigma around mental health. She also has her own foundation, which helps people suffering from depression and anxiety. And now, during the pandemic, which has unfolded an unprecedented crisis, Deepika is doing her bit to help people manage their mental health well.

The 34-year-old actress recently shared a few tips on Instagram for people finding it difficult to practice self-care or maintain their mental well-being.

Sharing her own 'wellness guide', which is a new feature being rolled out by social media giant Instagram for people in times like these, the actress shared some of the very things she believes in and swears by herself:

One of the ways to be kinder to yourself during such uneasy times is to be a little more caring and practice self-care, which is also a listed measure by the WHO to manage mental distress. Deepika shared a photo of herself indulging in a DIY facial massage at home, which she referenced as her own little 'productivity' boosting session. A little me-time never hurt anyone.

This one is all the more important for those busy working from home these days. Just because you are at home doesn't mean self-love or relaxation doesn't count. Like you had a destressing routine before, it's crucial that you don't stay hooked to the screen and spend time detoxing and doing things which bring you joy and peace. From devoting some time to physical activity or maintaining a gratitude journal, science has shown that having a routine uniquely benefits the brain and engages stimuli.

Deepika, like many of us, has turned into a home chef and her feed is filled with pictures of all sorts of delicacies and meals she has been cooking. The lockdown is a good time for you to put that 'extra time' into better use or pick up the hobby you always wanted to. Psychologically, too, there's a reason why so many are turning to baking and cooking, as a way to feel connected to each other, even virtually.

Even if you feel inspired by seeing social media challenges, we need to realize that the pandemic is not a productivity contest. It's absolutely okay to feel that you are not able to do all the things everybody else is doing, or you are taking your own time to do things. The important thing to remember is, you should be doing what you love and that chore should be bringing you happiness and helps crush those nervous nerves. For Deepika, something like cleaning or organizing helps her stay calm and manage bouts of anxiety well.

Just as the actress said, accept your uniqueness and do not give into comparisons.

Staying indoors is no excuse for ditching the yoga mat. Doing any form of physical activity- be it yoga, hard-core exercise, or something soothing as meditation can be a way to connect with your inner self, clear away toxins and ward off stress. Studies say that doing 30-35 of moderate exercise each day may even help beat depression and anxiety.

Video calls, scheduling virtual dinner dates or parties- the internet can help you connect with your support system. Having your trusted circle near you is crucial for your mental well-being and can help you stay grounded. You should also be checking up on your near and dear ones, elderlies and friends.

Nature and the greens are therapeutic. If there's one benefit of a lockdown, it's that we are getting to listen to birds chirping, enjoy the rains or just spend time gazing at the sky. Many say that the nature is healing. Getting in touch with nature or just spending time looking at the view can do a great deal of good for you.