for four counts and then exhale for four counts try doing this exercise for 34 minutes a few times a day you can also simply close your eyes and maintain deep and slow breaths this way youll feel more relaxed also eat a healthy and balanced diet with enough water for your holistic healthi keep going through phases of feeling upbeat and hopeful on the one hand and anxious and stressed on the other these days ive been trying to get a fulltime job for some time now but with the current lockdown in place it seems tough workout and meditation help me but the feelings of helplessness anxiety and stress return unannounced what should i do to keep myself going anonymousfrom your description it appears that you have not been feeling emotionally strong these days and when you feel anxious and stressed you look for support and follow the advise given by experts like working out and meditation we need to understand that life cannot be same all the time and you will experience ups and down observe and write down which kind of thoughts usually trigger you and make you feel stressed and anxious it might be thoughts related to uncertainty as you have been looking for a fulltime job focus on what you have in hand and work hard to sustain it after the lockdown you can again start looking for jobs relax and remind yourself that this is temporary stick to your schedule and indulge in some hobbies that you enjoyi am a bcom final year student i am studying regularly for a few hours every day however recently ugc issued guidelines that the final year exams will be taken in july this is making me confused and depressed what should i do do i protect myself from the pandemic or give exams how can i manage the stress jeetdear jeet the confusion and stress are understandable during this time you have to reduce your stress level by maintaining a regular study routine do not put in an unreasonable number of study hours study in small and slowly increasing intervals make sure that you engage in some activities that give you joy every day such as listening to music talking to friends etc you need to manage your time efficiently plan at least 78 hours of restful sleep to enhance concentration level adequate sleep is a must for rejuvenation of the mind you must incorporate a good amount of physical activity in your daily routine which is not only refreshing but also mood elevating take a healthy diet which includes green leafy vegetables salads and pulses avoid oily and junk food and needless to say family and friends are always a source of strength i am sure you will excel whenever you have your exams all the besti am 25 and supposed to go for my masters course to germany in october however the lockdown has upset my plans and i am afraid whether