The Covid-19 pandemic - Observations and Lessons to be learnt

The Coronavirus pandemic of 2020 has left us stupefied and unable to cope with the havoc wreaked upon our ostensibly modern societies. 

Here in India, what were the changes that occurred in our society during the unprecedented lockdown period?  

How did we cope with the sudden confinement that was impinged upon us by extraneous circumstances?

More importantly, what are the lessons we need to learn going forward from this wake-up call?  

What changes do we need to bring about in ourselves, our communities, and the world as a whole, if we are to prevent the impact of any similar future catastrophe and thrive as one humanity?

https://youtu.be/VmqTaWFwXIs

I attempt to answer these questions in this video, made using all the news clippings, forwarded messages and videos, that I received and came across during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The predominant colours in the video are yellow – which indicates infectious diseases, and red – which indicates danger/emergency.

I wish to thank all writers/creators of messages and videos whose work I have used in the making of this video.  

Resources:

News clippings: From the daily, Deccan Herald (www.deccanherald.com)
Music: Breathing Planet by Doug Maxwell, YouTube

Links to resources:
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c3/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs.png/1280px-Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs.png
https://mpower360.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/final_logo_1.jpg
https://images.pexels.com/photos/362689/pexels-photo-362689.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=750&w=1260
https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/5862187567_1b3ae784c1.jpg
http://m.cdn.blog.hu/pe/pekingikacsa/image/Crowd-India-C-588.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4017/4351008070_7c04884bc6.jpg
https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7246/7518336132_2a0db0cccf_z.jpg
https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3655/3582266087_44b8bc85ea_z.jpg
https://c.pxhere.com/photos/a5/95/tea_plantation_landscape_scenic_greenery_agriculture_india_crop_fields-1390278.jpg!d
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2295/2205184489_a665982731_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4093/4894253589_b32b94282a_b.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/WhatsApp_logo-color-vertical.svg/1200px-WhatsApp_logo-color-vertical.svg.png
http://fragmentsofevolution.org/wp-content/uploads/yoga_140156971.jpg
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/04/21/15/21/meditation-3338691_960_720.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Pet_parrots_in_Cuba.jpg/150px-Pet_parrots_in_Cuba.jpg
http://whatchareading.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Netflix_Logo_Digital-Video.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bb/Prime_logo.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c4/The_office_poster.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5a/Zee5-official-logo.jpeg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6d/Chandigarh_(North_India)_(399407625).jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/ab/Indian_Premier_League_Logo.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/87/LH_95.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6f/Earth_Eastern_Hemisphere.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7c/2019-nCoV-CDC-23312.png/1200px-2019-nCoV-CDC-23312.png
http://blog.vitaminhaat.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/coronavirus_1.jpg
http://omgnews.today/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018-07-10T065319Z_1_LYNXMPEE690FX_RTROPTP_4_WHATSAPP-INDIA-FAKENEWS-1024x683.jpg
https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2295/2205184489_a665982731_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/4093/4894253589_b32b94282a_b.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/Biohazard_symbol_%28black_and_yellow%29.png
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/WhatsApp_logo-color-vertical.svg/1200px-WhatsApp_logo-color-vertical.svg.png
http://fragmentsofevolution.org/wp-content/uploads/yoga_140156971.jpg
https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2018/04/21/15/21/meditation-3338691_960_720.jpg
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Wireless-icon.png
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wileyb-j/7518336132/

News websites:
https://www.news18.com/news/buzz/social-media-becoming-primary-source-of-fake-news-on-coronavirus-study-2594307.html
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/ibrahim-ali-khan-bonds-with-sister-sara-and-mum-amrita-singh-over-household-chores-amid-lockdown/articleshow/75325090.cms
https://www.gqindia.com/entertainment/content/indian-royals-self-isolating-multi-crore-palaces
https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/malaika-arora-shares-a-sun-kissed-selfie-pens-a-note-of-gratitude-amid-lock-down/
https://www.gqindia.com/binge-watch/collection/7-best-movies-on-netflix-amazon-prime-video-and-disney-hotstar-that-earned-rs-100-crore/
https://www.afternoonvoice.com/lamb-meat-gone-overpriced-amid-covid-19.html
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/covid-19-patients-will-be-cremated-irrespective-of-their-religion-bmc-chief-11585577157692.html
https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/trends/it-is-very-easy-trump-after-namaste-exchange-with-irish-pm-amid-coronavirus-outbreak/story/398138.html
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-8153619/Infectious-disease-specialists-warn-COVID-19-survive-soles-shoes-five-days.html
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/covid-19-lockdown-west-bengal-schools-and-colleges-to-remain-closed-till-june-10-1668965-2020-04-20
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/-covid-19-an-opportunity-to-create-lasting-memories-for-children-11585630001656.html
https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/covid-19-impact-more-staff-in-services-sector-companies-to-work-from-home-in-future-as-well/1940050/
https://www.livemint.com/news/india/online-weddings-in-vogue-as-lockdown-leaves-no-space-for-lavish-indian-nuptials-11587705957823.html
https://www.indiatvnews.com/lifestyle/news-10-days-10-games-indoor-game-ideas-to-play-with-your-kids-at-home-602362
https://www.citywatchla.com/index.php/cw/los-angeles/19519-overpopulation-global-warming-covid-19-modern-plague
https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/short-reads/article/3080360/why-covid-19-human-overpopulation-problem
https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/cricket/story/covid-19-pandemic-ab-de-villiers-virat-kohli-auction-cricket-gear-from-ipl-2016-match-vs-gujarat-lions-1671635-2020-04-27
https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/news/kiara-advani-recounts-her-fan-moment-salman-khan-i-was-smitten-first-time-i-saw-him-527990
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-52198588
https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/residents-rethink-daily-menu-as-meat-shortage-hits-hard/story-IDyEzwVx0wXLusleR82rWL.html
https://indianexpress.com/article/trending/trending-globally/namaste-is-the-new-hello-prince-charles-goes-desi-opts-for-namaste-to-greet-people-6310765/
https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/07/828317535/coronavirus-is-changing-the-rituals-of-death-for-many-religions
https://www.indiatoday.in/education-today/news/story/7-activities-to-keep-your-kids-busy-during-covid-19-lockdown-1664334-2020-04-07
https://news.abplive.com/news/india/covid-19-coronavirus-weddings-during-lockdown-lockdown-does-not-stop-these-couples-from-getting-married-1200043
https://www.cntraveller.in/story/surviving-coronavirus-lockdown-practical-tips-covid-19-indian-wellness-retreats-mumbai-maharashtra-bengaluru-karnataka-uttarakhand/
https://www.thehitavada.com/Encyc/2020/4/27/Practice-Yoga-at-home-to-beat-COVID-19-virus.html
https://www.templepurohit.com/mantras-slokas-stotras/shanti-mantra/om-purnamadah-purnamidam/
https://greenmesg.org/stotras/vedas/om_purnamadah_purnamidam.php

Stages of sleep and sleep hygiene

'I want to sleep... but I can't.'  So say many of the patients I see.  Further, some wonder:

'Can I take sleeping pills?'

'How long should I take them?'

'What is sleep hygiene?'

Sleep is a complex biological requirement that is poorly understood.  It is surmised that sleep helps in reorganization of memories and refreshment of cognitive abilities; a mental reboot of sorts.

What we do know, through sleep studies, is that sleep occurs in stages known as REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement).  NREM sleep is further divided into four stages that progressively take us deeper into sleep.  REM and NREM alternate with each other, and the duration of REM increases throughout an uninterrupted sleep session.  Both factors - the total duration of sleep and the quality of these successive stages - are required for a fulfilling and invigorating sleep experience.

While it is not known why we spend one-third of our lives sleeping, what we do know are the consequences of not sleeping: mental and physical disturbances that may even be fatal.  We also know that as a person ages, his/her sleep duration and quality diminish.

Watch this video for tips on sleeping naturally:

In English: https://youtu.be/8vfXkmMYR2A

In Hindi: https://youtu.be/1qlqrE6m0pI

In Kannada: https://youtu.be/cn33AFes_XE

Here are the dos and don'ts of sleep hygiene that you can put into practice if you are experiencing insomnia:

DO

• Keep your bedroom dark, noiseless, and of the right temperature that is comfortable for you.
• Sleep in the night time only since melatonin, the natural sleep hormone, is released according to the circadian rhythm of the body; that is to say, during the night when it is dark.
• Take up relaxing activities, especially in the evenings after 6 p.m., such as deep-breathing, meditation, listening to soothing music, reading a book, going for a leisurely stroll; whatever you find relaxing.
• Take plain milk (without sugar or other additions - milk is high on serotonin, the natural sleep neurotransmitter) or a warm shower, both of which are said to lull you into sleeping.
• Get your medical and mental health checkup done to make sure you don't have conditions that can keep you awake in the night.
• Get your regular medications reviewed to make sure they are not causing insomnia as a side-effect.

DON'T

• Sleep during the daytime or in the afternoons (that is, if this affects your night sleep; if, on the other hand, you happen to be one of the lucky ones who can sleep well both during day and night, enjoy your afternoon siesta).
• Take sleeping pills for too long, certainly not for more than two weeks.  They are only meant to bring your sleep back on track.  The longer you take these, the more dependent you become on them, and the more you would have to beg your doctor to prescribe higher doses of them.  So, be warned!
• Consume caffeinated food substances after 6 p.m., such as those mentioned in the video.
• Drink heavily: it is a common misconception that alcohol helps you fall asleep; in the long run it messes up your sleeping pattern.  
• Smoke cigarettes or beedis, or consume tobacco products.  They contain nicotine, another stimulant that makes falling asleep difficult, apart from every other disorder under the sun; so you are better off not smoking at all.  Needless to say, also do not take any other street drugs.
• Spend too much time gazing at screens of any kind when you are in bed.  The light emitted from gadgets is considered to be bad for sleep.
• Exercise heavily after 6 p.m. as this can stimulate you.  Regular exercise is a good habit, but do it during the mornings or early afternoons.
• Eat heavily: avoid 5/7-course buffets in the night since this can put your digestive system into overdrive, thus depriving brain of blood supply (brain is active during the REM stage of sleep). 

List of resources used in the video:

Music: 

• 'Sleeplessness' by The Brothers Records

Pictures:

• Sleep smiley: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Face-sleep.svg/1024px-Face-sleep.svg.png
• Sleeping woman: https://ecogreenlove.files.wordpress.com/2018/02/01312018_soothingplants.png?w=888
• Bedroom: https://s3.amazonaws.com/s3.frank.itlab.us/photo-essays/small/feb_04_0348_bedroom.jpg
• Clock: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2012/04/10/16/11/clock-26106_960_720.png
• Tea: http://clamorworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Chai-Tea-Cybilla.jpg
• Coffee: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ab/Filter-Coffee.jpg/349px-Filter-Coffee.jpg
• Cola: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/15-09-26-RalfR-WLC-0098.jpg/170px-15-09-26-RalfR-WLC-0098.jpg
• Chocolate: https://fairtradeindunedin.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/chocolate1.jpg?w=300&h=240
• Exercise: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/07/13/10/16/woman-156892_640.png
• Buffet: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c0/Chinese_buffet2.jpg/220px-Chinese_buffet2.jpg
• Milk: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/20000/nahled/glass-of-milk.jpg
• Shower head: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/10000/nahled/1-1242735684R0fs.jpg
• Meditation: http://wondergressive.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/medi11.jpg
• Lady with tanpura: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/A_Lady_Playing_the_Tanpura%2C_ca._1735.jpg/220px-A_Lady_Playing_the_Tanpura%2C_ca._1735.jpg
• Book reading: https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/20000/velka/reading-an-old-book.jpg
• Pills bottle: https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2014/03/25/16/59/medicine-297778_960_720.png

Am I having a PANIC ATTACK?!

What are panic attacks?
What brings them on?
Do I need treatment for panic attacks?

Find your answers to these questions in this educative video on panic attacks, in three languages:

English: https://youtu.be/sKRWqbL3z-Q

Hindi: https://youtu.be/TkLYpVlBLXE

Kannada: https://youtu.be/uQSEG9LPn_o

Also read an earlier article of mine on how to beat stress.

The link to a short film on anxiety disorders can be found here.

Resources:

Title pic: cdn.pixabay.com

Namaste pic: shutterstock.com

Music: A Quiet Thought, Wayne Jones

Are antidepressants safe?

"I have been diagnosed with depression/anxiety. My doctor has recommended antidepressant tablets." "Should I take them?' "Are there any side-effects?" "Are they addictive?"

Find out the answers to these and more questions about antidepressant therapy in three languages:
English: https://youtu.be/tKBWRvifYRk

Hindi: https://youtu.be/iVUi79gp-gQ

Kannada: https://youtu.be/RezGamhA_Ak

Also read an earlier article of mine about pragmatic use of antidepressants. 

Resources:

Pills picture: www.truthinsideofyou.org

Music: Sunshine on Sand, Unicorn Heads

Waves of Indian Ocean video

Relax, sit back and watch the waves of Hind Mahasagar aka Indian Ocean.

Filmed on location at white sandy beach of the Maldives.

https://youtu.be/kut1KiwGaMA

Sounds of Indian Ocean

Relax to the sounds and images of Hind Mahasagar aka Indian Ocean.  

Pictures taken on location in Maldives.

https://youtu.be/rSI_eF_Qrpw

Visit to Kalady: picture slideshow video

Pictures from my visit to Kalady, Adi Shankaracharya's birthplace in Kerala.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thcdsyNMPWs

Read about the visit here: https://dgvpawar.blogspot.com/2015/01/visit-to-kalady.html