Even though most of us are spending our quarantine time with our families, all the negativity around is kind of taxing. Every day we have a new battle to fight with, first the Covid-19 pandemic and then the Amphan Cyclone. Staying sane in such situations and taking care of our mental and physical well-being at such times is crucial. However, B-Town actor Ileana D’Cruz says that prioritizing mental health is important irrespective of the pandemic.
In an interview with Hindustan Times, the ‘Raid’ actor shared:
“Mental health is important, period. Irrespective of the pandemic, I’ve always maintained that you should prioritise mental well-being over your physical well-being.”
“I have an amazing family and a beautiful support system with some wonderful friends.”
The actor, who once suffered depression and Body Dysmorphic Disorder, says that pouring our hearts out to someone often helps our mental well-being. “It helps your mental well-being in times when you need to pour your heart out to someone.”
“Sometimes you just need someone to listen to you. We even have access to virtual sessions with a therapist, if required.”
Talking about life post lockdown and the ‘new normal’ lifestyle, she added, “Safety will be of utmost importance and I’ll follow all safety measures. I’ll continue to do things that I started during this lockdown.”
“I’ll communicate far more frequently with my family, push myself to cook some complicated recipes, declutter my house and my life, and be thankful for every little thing I have.”
“I’m learning to not take anything, especially life, for granted. Eventually, life will move on. We’re resilient and we’ll overcome this pandemic.”
Ileana has been living away from her family since India was put under lockdown. Sharing how she’s been holding up amid the pandemic, the ‘Barfi’ actor said, “Sounds strange but it doesn’t feel like so much time has gone by.”
“Honestly, it hasn’t affected me much as I’m used to living on my own, and doing everything without help. So, it’s been therapeutic for me in many ways.”
“I’ve been organising stuff at home, redecorating, making a few pieces of art, and cooking a lot. I realised that I don’t really need a gym. I’ve been working out in my living room and it’s worked out well for me.”
“But one thing I miss the most is my family and I’m thankful that they’re safe although they are in different corners of the world (in the US).”
She further shares that actors also work from home. “The virtual narration is the new thing now since we can’t have meetings arranged in the lockdown. But I do miss being on the set and hopefully, will get back to it soon. Some shoot of The Big Bull is still left and another project is also in talks.”
The actor signs off by saying that once the virus scare gets over, she would want to fly down to her family and hug them really tight. “I want to go to a beach and jump into the ocean. I want to learn to play the keyboard, too,” she added.
Ileana rightly said that pandemic or no pandemic, one should learn to prioritise their mental health at all times. I have started practising yoga and meditation to stay away from the negativity. What are you doing to stay sane during the lockdown? Tell us.