Dear Parents,

Greetings from the Counsellor's Desk @ RTSE.

As we continue into another week of lockdown and see the numbers of persons affected and deaths continually rising, worry and anxiety are common problems. These can become all-encompassing as the current world scene is uncertain, hence we need to offer care and compassion to yourself, and to those around you.

Worrying is a way of 'thinking ahead' that often leaves us feeling apprehensive. Worrying excessively often makes us think of the worse case scenarios and makes us feel that we are unable to cope.

Unfortunately worry is not just in our heads. Our bodies experience anxiety and some of the physical symptoms your experience could include :

• Muscle tensions or aches and pains
• Restlessness and inability to relax
• Difficulty in concentrating / sleeping
• Feeling easily fatigued

So in reality there is no 'right' amount of worry . It only becomes a problem when it stops you from living the life you want to live, or it leaves you feeling demoralized and exhausted.

Finding a balance to look after you wellbeing is the need of the hour. Hence we need to organise a daily routine that involves a balance between activities that:

• gives you a sense of achievement
• helps you feel close and connected with others and
• Difficulty in concentrating / sleeping
• activites that you can do just for pleasure.

An imbalance of pleasure, achievement and closeness can affect our mood. Some simple things to do to keep your mood balanced are:

• Set a routine.
• Stay mentally & physically active
• Practice gratitude
• Notice and limit worry triggers
• Rely on reputable news sources like the https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus#tab=tab_1, https://www.mygov.in/covid-19/?cbps=1.

Wishing for you the a balanced mood to stay postive in these days of uncertainty. #StayIndoors #StaySafe

Best Regards,
Sheetal Vohra