The Coronavirus pandemic is a global health crisis that has placed one-third of the world’s population under partial or complete lockdown.

We are talking about more that 2 billion (200 crore) people, whose lives have been thrown out of gear. Social distancing, isolation, closure of educational, commercial and government establishments has put billions of lives on hold.

People under lockdown are affected in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, financial, emotional and mental impacts.

We may be looking, among other things, at mental health issues and disorders rising as a secondary epidemic, a collateral damage of sorts.

During these testing times it is natural to feel overwhelmed and have elevated levels of

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Fear
• Depression
• Panic
• Increased or uncontrollable OCD

There is a plethora of recommendations and information all over social, broadcast and print media, urging one to introspect, meditate, discover new hobbies, look within and find hidden aspects to oneself in order to cope in this difficult time.

Art, in numerous forms, can be the therapeutic balm that can tide one over. There is a great diversity of creative mediums and arts, that can, without words, help one to express emotions, reap therapeutic benefits and find relief. There is a legion of creative arts like dancing, sketching, painting, sculpting, journaling, doodling etc. One doesn’t need a high degree of skill or expertise in doing these as long as one is comfortable and able to express creativity.

Applying oneself to one or more forms of art can assist by way of

• Stimulating the imagination
• Providing emotional relief
• Providing relief from stress and anxiet
• Increasing self-esteem
• Helping in self discovery and introspection
• Increasing positivity
• Giving a sense of control over one’s life
• Improving emotional balance
• Enhancing brain function and well-being

There are innumerable factors that are beyond our control in the present scenario. But what one can control is feeling good about oneself, maintaining a positive attitude and finding a flow that gives one a healthy outlet.

This is a very difficult and testing time, but as is the universal law – THIS TOO SHALL PASS.