Exclusive - BB Telugu 3’s Punarnavi Bhupalam shares five tips to keep yourselves sane during quarantine

Covid-19 spread is testing mankind on various fronts. While the world is figuring out ways to fight the pandemic, many TV celebs are encouraging everyone to stay indoors to curb the spread. Actress and former Bigg Boss Telugu 3 contestant Punarnavi Bhupalam, who graduated in Psychology, is someone who wants to shed light on the effects of quarantine on mental health and ways to cope up with social distancing.

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When I first learnt about the outbreak, I didn't feel like it would be a pandemic. World is witnessing the Bigg Boss thing right now. Sad but true.

There’s panic all around. I think if leaders panic, public will also panic. Whatever it takes, we have to break that chain, flatten the curve.

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I’m someone who travels frequently, I take short trips. I’ve never been like this before. But we can’t help. Life is not all about being perfect.

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Corona has made our world upside down. It is in the majority of our conversations today. You can’t believe my family has nearly 6-7 hrs of discussion on it every day. It only proves the panic around it.

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There are many myths around Covid-19 which are very annoying. People are going to their friends or cousins’ place to sleepover since they can’t stay home. Sleepovers are not social distancing. They need to understand this.

Someone recently sent a DM (direct message) on my Instagram saying Corona is outdoors while we are indoors (during Janta Curfew) and when we clap, the virus disappears. How ridiculous is this! I think these people are from the WhatsApp University, like my friends said.

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I graduated in Psychology but since I’ve time now, I’m doing an online course on Positive Psychiatry. Being mentally strong is very important right now.

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We are in a situation where there is every chance that negative thoughts spiral. We have to make sure we are healthy and people around us are healthy, too. We need to keep telling ourselves that this phase is temporary. It is going to take time. We have to be patient until this passes.

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This is the time we look for each other. If we panic, people who need food will not have it. Ask your neighbours if they need something, you can go on their behalf. That way, we can ensure not many are outdoors even for essential groceries. Panic buying shouldn’t be encouraged.

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I know this is not an easy phase especially for people with anxiety. And everyone has a way to cope up with this. I have low times, too, but I don't shy away from sharing if I’m not feeling low. Life is not perfect, sharing and conversing a lot helps in this time.

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1. Working out – Any sort or working out like stretching, dance or even just walk in the park. It’ll keep you fit. Meditation also helps. Having or making a habit is the key here.

2. You can cook more. Try baking, it is fun. Of course, everyone’s a pro at making Maggi now.

3. Helping your mom while cooking and in household chores can earn you brownie points, too (laughs).

4. I made a list of movies and web series to watch. I got started and I’m also reading a lot of books. I started colouring, another interest I’m trying to nourish during the quarantine interest.

5. I do get bored doing all of these but I sit with family and talk.

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I’m a big foodie; I love pani puri a lot. But I’m ensuring that I have a clean food schedule. My routine is like two glasses of warm water in the morning, having a lot of Vitamin C, soaking in a lot of sun, eating clean vegetables, avocados, juices, superfoods.

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