Iti Acharya says COVID volunteers must not ignore their health

Actress Iti Acharya has been working as a volunteer amplifying requests and connecting the needy with resources though the second wave of the pandemic. Iti states that she ended up being in this place by chance, as she began looking for resources first when she needed them for someone she knew. She has since been spending a lot of her time working with influencers and volunteers across the country.“It is amazing how the chain connects people across the country and we have so many people working selflessly to help people out, but they must not ignore their health,” she says. Iti also points out that the sense of doing good and being available always can overwhelm a person and one needs to look out for oneself if they do decide to step into volunteering during this pandemic.
“I have had times when I have foregone sleep and ended up putting my physical and mental health at stake. But, eventually I realised that I need to take those quick breaks to ensure I am rejuvenated to give my all. These breaks can mean switching off from your social media, spend time cooking, playing a game, reading, watching something or even listening to music. This will ensure you get a recharge before you step in to help someone else,” she says. Iti also advises people to let go of their emotions. “If you are feeling like crying at times, then I’d say let it all out. I am not ashamed to say that I have cried, because we are in probably the worst period in our lifetimes and it does get the better of your emotions. Take that break, cry and relieve yourself of that baggage, it is natural when you’re volunteering and listening to so many people’s problems and seeing the real situation,” she explains.