While the pandemic led to a drastic rise in psychological distress across all ages, genders and communities, women were found to be the more distressed group, followed by the elderly and the young. From household chores, to caring for children, and managing their work, all of it together took a major toll on their well being during the pandemic. A quick sample survey revealed that women were spending more time doing unpaid work than their paid work, leaving an impact on their work life simply because the household responsibilities were in most cases not fully divided. This happens because social norms have lent the role of performing care to a woman since the arrangement is “who gets paid less and who has the flexibility?”
When women work from home, their personal space disappears and their workload increases manifold. No words can overstate the exhaustion, anxiety, and fear that women had to undergo to care for their families and also stay on their jobs during the pandemic. Working women with young children bore the maximum brunt. Look around you and you will see that working women in comparison to their male partners do more housework and get to have less leisure time.
Increased cases of domestic violence
National data paints a worrying picture of increased cases of domestic violence during the pandemic, also termed as intimate terrorism. Pandemic led confinement, fear of catching the virus, financial insecurity, all contributed to the perfect disaster for women. Social experts share disturbing numbers of men who feel entitled to control and abuse their wives, partners, and this aspect went unattended in lockdown planning.
COVID revealed that there are two parallel narratives when it comes to women. First, that women are essential to the existence of mankind and should be empowered at every level. Second, when it comes to survival and exigencies, it’s the woman who will be violated and overburdened. The pandemic brought forth this duality and it’s important that we value, educate, pay, hear and care for women.
“Pandemic made many men realize a woman’s contribution to housework”
Prakriti Poddar, Global Head, Mental Health and Wellbeing, RoundGlass shares, “The unprecedented events of the past two years have severely challenged our mental and emotional wellbeing. There’s been a 25 percent increase in the global prevalence of anxiety and depression in the first year of the pandemic, according to the World Health Organization.”
She feels, “Both men and women have struggled to cope with managing work-from-home, child-rearing responsibilities, and domestic chores. Extended periods of social isolation coupled with an inability to seek support from loved ones and engage in their communities have added to their challenges. But despite this, the pandemic has been an equalizing force and has helped men realize and honour women’s contribution to housework. Globally, men have stepped up and partnered with women in running the household.
Read more: What makes women better at multitasking?
“There is an increased need to proactively take steps to improve mental and emotional health by embracing simple holistic wellbeing practices. I personally — as a mother of three children and a full-time mental health professional — follow these practices to keep myself centred and live more joyfully.”
Focus on your breath: Remember to breathe, to take a pause. Relax and take deep breaths: there is a drop of tranquility in each inhalation. New research shows that certain breathing techniques can help induce more positive emotional states, improve mental acuity, and optimize performance. Practicing meditation and mindfulness can help us enhance our emotional and mental wellbeing.
Eat healthy and mindfully: Food is nourishing and can greatly enhance our holistic wellbeing. Be inspired to eat home-cooked meals made with seasonal produce and fresh ingredients. We are nourished not only by what we eat but also by how we eat. So, approach your meals with mindfulness and joy.
Practice movement: Daily exercise can help us lead healthier lives, be more focused and have a happier and more positive state of mind.
Tune in to tune out: Certain tones and frequencies can calm the mind. If you need a quick reset, try listening to soothing meditation music or meditating to music.
Stay connected: Check in on your loved ones. A short conversation can make a world of difference in these uncertain times. Being connected with our friends and family inspires feelings of safety, trust, and kinship and motivates us to be kinder and more compassionate.
Value downtime: Giving our mind a chance to pause and refresh is important for our physical and mental wellbeing. Be it a rejuvenating walk outdoors or pursuing a hobby, downtime helps replenish our brain’s stores of attention and motivation and encourages productivity and creativity.
Practise self-compassion: In these trying times, there’s immense merit in being kind to our own selves. Learn to love who you are and make peace with parts of yourself that you have judged in the past. Self-compassion will help you live with more joy, good physical health and enhance your resilience.
Take small steps each day to transform your life and embrace holistic wellbeing to live with more happiness and health.
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