Don't let coronavirus anxiety take over: Harvard Medical School recommends yoga, meditation
Aasana, Dhyana and Praanayama could go a long way in mitigating isolation anxiety.
By PTI | Updated:
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Making healthy, reasonable choices about what to do and what not to do will make a big difference in being able to stay as safe and as well as possible.
WASHINGTON: A leading medical school in the US has recommended yoga, meditation and controlled breathing to address anxiety issues related to the novel coronavirus that has now spread fast across America.
There are at least 3,485 cases of the novel coronavirus in the US, according to the state and local health agencies, governments and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The number of deaths due to the deadly virus are 65.
The Harvard Medical School said in its latest health guideline that, yoga, meditation and controlled breathing are "some tried and true ways to relax".
The article 'Coping with coronavirus anxiety' was published this week.
"Regular meditation is very calming. Many apps teach simple forms of meditation, such as Headspace or Calm," wrote John Sharp, a board-certified psychiatrist on the faculty at Harvard Medical School and the David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles.
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Keeping Your Phone Clean, And Safe, In The Time Of Coronavirus
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Holding hands, an affectionate gesture with romantic undertones, has become taboo in the time of the coronavirus. Handshakes, too, have been outlawed in the boardroom as well as stadiums - and after closing a deal, folks now pick up their phones and send each other formal emails.
Lovers in parks sit on benches, their hands skidding across smartphone screens, sending emoji-laced messages. However, exercising one’s primary tactile organs to communicate through gestures might not be as dangerous as using a mobile phone.
Holding hands, an affectionate gesture with romantic undertones, has become taboo in the time of the coronavirus. Handshakes, too, have been outlawed in the boardroom as well as stadiums - and after ..
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The World Health Organization has explained how people should wash their hands to safeguard against infection and to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, the benefits of smearing hands with sanitizers is an exercise in futility if people then pick up their phones and expose themselves to germs all over again.
The World Health Organization has explained how people should wash their hands to safeguard against infection and to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. However, the benefits of smearing hands wit..
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Phone screens are a hotbed of different types of germs. Phone hygiene, therefore, becomes an imperative to ward off contagious germs. Apple recommends using felt cloth, the type used to clean spectacles.
The iPhone 7 and upwards, which are water-resistant, can be cleaned using a cloth dabbed with soapy water, as long as the different orifices of the devices are covered. Other manufacturers do not specify water-tolerance, but most new models are partially resistant to fluids, meaning that cleaning your phone display with a wet cloth is the least you could do.
Phone screens are a hotbed of different types of germs. Phone hygiene, therefore, becomes an imperative to ward off contagious germs. Apple recommends using felt cloth, the type used to clean spectac..
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Samsung and Apple advise against using cleaning fluids as they could potentially damage fingerprint-resistant coatings on their screens. Some new phones have in-display fingerprint sensors which make the task of cleaning your phone more complex. However, this could be remedied by using a screen protector, which in turn, could be wiped clean using diluted alcohol.
The back and sides of the phone should also be cleaned thoroughly. Germs will invariably accumulate on phone screens. The best possible remedy seems to be washing one’s hands before and after touching one’s phone, especially when in public spaces or commuting to work.
Samsung and Apple advise against using cleaning fluids as they could potentially damage fingerprint-resistant coatings on their screens. Some new phones have in-display fingerprint sensors which make..
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Users given to making a lot of phone calls are advised to use headphones or Bluetooth earphones to prevent the germs on phone screens from coming in contact with their faces. Bluetooth earphones aren’t germ-proof either, but their exteriors can be cleaned with cotton swabs dipped in antiseptic fluids or isopropyl alcohol.
Be careful to not get any inside your audio device as it could damage the circuitry. Boozy headphones can make one grin from ear to ear.
Users given to making a lot of phone calls are advised to use headphones or Bluetooth earphones to prevent the germs on phone screens from coming in contact with their faces. Bluetooth earphones aren..
"Not a yoga person? No need to start now unless you'd like to try it. Sometimes trying new things and discovering new activities you can benefit from and enjoy can be a welcome, healthy distraction. Yoga Studio and Pocket Yoga are good apps to consider," he said.
On controlled breathing, he said, one simple technique is called square breathing. "Visualise your breath travelling along a square. As you follow the instructions to inhale, hold your breath, or exhale, count slowly to three on each side. Try it now," he wrote.
"Inhale up the first side of the square. Slowly count one, two, three. Hold your breath across the top. One, two, three. Exhale down the other side of the square. One, two, three. Then hold your breath across the bottom. One, two, three. After a few minutes of this you should be feeling calmer and more centered," Sharp said.
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Beat Stress With Yoga & Meditation: Apps For Step-By-Step Asanas To Stay Fit
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Mindfulness means living in the present moment, and being aware. The best way to beat stress and relax the mind is yoga and meditation.
Mumbai-based yoga expert Natasha Noel recommend several apps and online platforms to help beginners boost their health with detailed yoga asanas.
On International Yoga Day, install these interesting apps to ensure a healthy mind, body and soul.
Mindfulness means living in the present moment, and being aware. The best way to beat stress and relax the mind is yoga and meditation.
Mumbai-based yoga expert Natasha Noel recommend several..
Read More
For the beginners, the Breathe app for Apple Watch guides users through a series of deep breath and reminds to take deep breaths daily. Choose how long you want to breathe, then let the gentle taps and animation help you focus.
The app ensures users get to try meditation which they wouldn't otherwise with different types of techniques.
(Image: www.breatheapp.co)
For the beginners, the Breathe app for Apple Watch guides users through a series of deep breath and reminds to take deep breaths daily. Choose how long you want to breathe, then let the gentle taps ..
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This app is like an instructor in your pocket. The detailed voice and visual instructions work as a guide through each pose and every breath.
The app ensures to show the correct posture and alignment, with over 200 illustrated images, and a dictionary that describes the benefits and techniques of various poses. It is available on both iOS and Android.
(Image: www.pocketyoga.com)
This app is like an instructor in your pocket. The detailed voice and visual instructions work as a guide through each pose and every breath.
The app ensures to show the correct posture and alignmen..
Read More
Available in six languages, the app is for anyone who aims to lose weight and start a healthy lifestyle. It helps burn calories, strengthen the core, increase flexibility, and balance the body while focusing on the mind. It is available on both iOS and Android devices.
(Image: www.asanarebel.com)
Available in six languages, the app is for anyone who aims to lose weight and start a healthy lifestyle. It helps burn calories, strengthen the core, increase flexibility, and balance the body while..
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The app offers over 500 asanas, more than 200 guided classes of yoga, pilates, meditation, over 50 workout plans, and workshops by top coaches that suit people from the beginner to advanced level. While Daily Yoga has integrated with the Apple Health App, it is available on both iOS and Android devices.
(Image: www.dailyyoga.com)
The app offers over 500 asanas, more than 200 guided classes of yoga, pilates, meditation, over 50 workout plans, and workshops by top coaches that suit people from the beginner to advanced level. W..
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This app keeps it simple with just a few routines and multiple poses. Choose from a 20, 40 or 60-minute workout, or master more than 30 yoga poses with helpful audio and video instructions on this app. It is available on both iOS and Android.
(Image: www.dailyworkoutapps.com)
This app keeps it simple with just a few routines and multiple poses. Choose from a 20, 40 or 60-minute workout, or master more than 30 yoga poses with helpful audio and video instructions on this a..
Read More
This app has quick yoga sessions for improved flexibility, increased strength, toned muscles and reduced stress. It is available on both iOS and Android.
(Image: www.play.google.com)
This app has quick yoga sessions for improved flexibility, increased strength, toned muscles and reduced stress. It is available on both iOS and Android.
(Image: www.play.google.com)
The app combines customised fitness and weight loss plans, along with a healthy meal tracker. The workouts only take between 7-30 minutes, and helps you burn up to 200 calories per session.
It is available on both iOS and Android.
(Image: www.yoga-go.fit)
The app combines customised fitness and weight loss plans, along with a healthy meal tracker. The workouts only take between 7-30 minutes, and helps you burn up to 200 calories per session.
It is ..
News about the virus will likely grow worse, then grow better, he said and urged people to listen to public health experts who can help them navigate the path ahead.
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“Take sensible steps that can help us all: get your bearings, practice good hygiene, use calming strategies that work for you — and maybe try something new. Making healthy, reasonable choices about what to do and what not to do will make a big difference in being able to stay as safe and as well as possible,” he wrote.
Meanwhile, the World Hindu Congress USA said that it organised a havan and prayers across North America as part of its efforts to address growing mental health and anxiety concerns arising from the COVID- 19 pandemic.
Pointing to the health guideline report published by Harvard Medical School, Anil Sharma, a community organiser who was part of this initiative, noted that “Aasana, Dhyana and Praanayama, could go a long way in mitigating the isolation anxiety that is gripping communities across the United States.”
A lot of what you hear or read about the coronavirus may be myths. WHO data busts a few common misconceptions.
A lot of what you hear or read about the coronavirus may be myths. WHO data busts a few common misconceptions.
Myth: Pneumonia vaccines will protect you against coronavirus.
Reality: Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protection against coronavirus. The virus is so new and different that it needs its own vaccine. Researchers are trying to develop a vaccine against 2019-nCoV, and WHO is supporting their efforts. However, while they are not effective against 2019-nCoV, vaccination against respiratory illnesses is highly recommended to protect your health.
Myth: Pneumonia vaccines will protect you against coronavirus.
Reality: Vaccines against pneumonia, such as pneumococcal vaccine and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine, do not provide protec..
Read More
Myth: Ultraviolet disinfection lamp can kill the coronavirus.
Reality: UV lamps should not be used to sterilise hands or other areas of skin. Far from killing the virus, the UV radiation can actually cause skin irritation.
Myth: Ultraviolet disinfection lamp can kill the coronavirus.
Reality: UV lamps should not be used to sterilise hands or other areas of skin. Far from killing the virus, the UV radiation can actuall..
Read More
Myth: Thermal scanners can help detect infected people.
Reality: Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever due to the coronavirus infection. However, they cannot detect people who are infected but are not yet sick with the fever. This is because it takes between two and 10 days before people who are infected become sick and develop a fever.
Myth: Thermal scanners can help detect infected people.
Reality: Thermal scanners are effective in detecting people who have developed a fever due to the coronavirus infection. However, they cannot ..
Read More
Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body kill the coronavirus.
Reality: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. In fact, spraying such substances can be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes (ie eyes, mouth). Be aware that both alcohol and chlorine can be used to disinfect surfaces, but they need to be used under appropriate recommendations.
Myth: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body kill the coronavirus.
Reality: Spraying alcohol or chlorine all over your body will not kill viruses that have already entered your body. In fact..
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Myth: Putting on sesame oil will block the coronavirus from entering the body.
Reality: Sesame oil does not kill coronavirus. There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the 2019-nCoV on surfaces. These include bleach or chlorine-based disinfectants, solvents, 75 per cent ethanol, peracetic acid and chloroform. However, they have little or no impact on the virus if you put them on the skin or under your nose. It can even be dangerous to put these chemicals on your skin.
Myth: Putting on sesame oil will block the coronavirus from entering the body.
Reality: Sesame oil does not kill coronavirus. There are some chemical disinfectants that can kill the 2019-nCoV on sur..
Read More
Myth: Coronavirus mainly affects older people.
Reality: People of all ages can be infected by the 2019-nCoV. Older people, and people with preexisting medical conditions [such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease] appear to be more vulnerable. But WHO has advised people of all ages to take steps to protect themselves from the virus.
Myth: Coronavirus mainly affects older people.
Reality: People of all ages can be infected by the 2019-nCoV. Older people, and people with preexisting medical conditions [such as asthma, diabetes, h..
Read More
Myth: Rinsing your nose with saline will help prevent coronavirus infection.
Reality: There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from a coronavirus infection. But there is some limited evidence that regularly rinsing nose with saline can help people recover more quickly from a common cold. However, regularly rinsing the nose has not been shown to prevent respiratory infections.
Myth: Rinsing your nose with saline will help prevent coronavirus infection.
Reality: There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline has protected people from a coronavirus infecti..
Read More
Myth: It’s not safe to receive letters or packages from China.
Reality: It is safe to receive letters and packages from China. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the coronavirus. From previous analysis, we know that coronaviruses do not survive long on objects such as letters or packages.
Myth: It’s not safe to receive letters or packages from China.
Reality: It is safe to receive letters and packages from China. People receiving packages from China are not at risk of contracting the..
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Myth: Pets at home can spread the coronavirus
Reality: At present, there is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the coronavirus. However, it is always a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water after contact with these pets. This will protect you against various common bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella that can pass between pets and humans.
Myth: Pets at home can spread the coronavirus
Reality: At present, there is no evidence that companion animals or pets such as dogs or cats can be infected with the coronavirus. However, it is alway..
