Dr Lenin stresses physical exercise to improve quality of life
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 02 2021: The fifth series of the virtual national talk jointly organised by Fit India Campaign Committee and Fit India Club, Manipur University as part of Fit India Movement was held on Wednesday under the theme 'Stress management during pandemic' with head of RIMS psychiatry department professor Dr RK Lenin as the speaker.

A statement issued by Fit India Club MU convener Dr L Santosh informed that MU Students' Welfare dean and Fit India Club MU chairman Dr Laimayum Bishwanath was the moderator and MU statistic department professor Dr Salam Shantikumar co-moderator of the virtual talk.

Attending as the main speaker, Dr RK Lenin pointed out that the world today is full of stress.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the people could easily overcome stress but the pandemic has changed the scenario and many are finding it difficult to cope with stress.

However, efforts should be made to overcome stress, he said.

There is no person, who does not have stress and the important thing is the ability to manage it.

Suppressing stress is not a good habit but it needs to be ventilated.

The more human brain gives response to acute stress, the more it will affect the digestive system and its activities, and increase heart rate as well as blood pressure.

On the other hand, chronic stress will result in problems related with skin, stomach, pancreas, immune system, brain, heart, intestine and reproductive system as well, Dr Lenin said.

Stress often brings changes in physical, emotional and psychological state.

It is not an easy task to identify stress but there are some tell-tale signs of stress which can be easily perceived.

Lack of attention, panic, anxiety and difficult to remember are psychological sign of stress.

Anger, irritation, moody, etc., are emotional signs.

On the other hand, high BP, changes in body weight, frequent cold or infection, irregular period and decreased libido are physical signs of stress.

Inability to provide self-care, not having time to engage in interested activities and leaning on drugs or alcohol are behavioural signs of stress, he maintained.

He further said that the best strategy for stress management is physical exercise as it can bring down the stress level and improve quality of life.

The pandemic is causing mental health problems like panic, fright, insomnia, changes in appetite, inability to adapt to the new normal, increase in domestic violence & substance abuse among the people.

Lack of proper awareness on Covid-19, information on lack of effective treatment, deteriorating financial position, impact of social media as well as restrictive measures like quarantine, lockdown and curfew are also taking toll on human minds, he said.

He then appealed to people with co-morbid conditions to consult with doctor and get the vaccine shots.

He also appealed to all to get themselves busy in their hobbies, regular physical exercise, meditation, yoga, good thoughts, and imagery relaxation exercises to reduce stress and lead a healthy life during the pandemic.

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