COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has changed life completely in the last few months, with everyone mostly confined within their homes.

From working from home to managing several household chores, our life in the last four-five months have meant not an inch more or not an inch less!

With COVID-19 lockdown beginning to take a toll on everyone’ patience, people have become more anxious and desperate as nothing is certain or sure of the unseen future ahead.

There seems to be no solution to it- or is there actually one or maybe even more!

According to experts, mental health and physical health are linked, and if one focuses on one, there is automatically a shift of focus on the other one.

In short, both mental and physical health go hand-in-hand and during such a crazy situation, it is imperative that one talks as to how one is feeling inside one’ head.

Mood swings, feeling extremely depressive and feeling low etc. are some of the common mental health issues that every other person is facing during this period- some similar while some may be different.

Online fitness trainer and sports nutritionist Diksha Chhabra suggests making some healthy dietary changes for those who might be feeling beat of late and are looking for ways to help themselves to fight the blues.

“You can say a healthy gut is a happy gut. It can help you to beat all kinds of stress and anxiety, and make you feel good about yourself,” reports The Indian Express quoting her.

Chhabra says that the right kind of food affects the brain, and a balanced diet along with exercise can help one to overcome several mental health issues.

She says that foods rich in certain chemicals, vitamins and minerals influence our body’ biochemistry and hence they can lift our mood immediately.

Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate, with at least 70 per cent cocoa, is a great mood booster, Chhabra says.

“Dark chocolate that fits the healthy diet bracket perfectly, because of less sugar content,” she adds on.

“It helps boost the endorphins in our body which, in turn, helps in easing any kind of emotional and mental stress,” she further adds on.

Omega 3: According to Chhabra, Omega 3 fatty acids are naturally found in fish, nuts and flaxseeds.

She says that Omega 3 plays a vital role in our body’s cell manufacturing, skin and hair health, which give us a feeling of happiness.

“In case you find it difficult to add naturally, omega 3 is available in the form of supplements, too,” she adds quickly

Vitamin D Enriched Food: Mushroom, poultry and milk are some rich sources of vitamin D and it can also be amplified through the sun, which is a natural source.

Vitamin D helps to regulate the serotonin levels in the brain, which can ward off depression and anxiety, she further says.

Green Leafy Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables are rich in folic acid, magnesium, vitamin C and B6 and these play a vital role in regulating several brain activities.

Probiotics: Food rich in probiotics and fermented food and they help in maintaining good bacteria in our gut.

Probiotics are the good bacteria living in our intestines, known for aiding digestion, boosting the immune system and cleaning our gut.

“A good gut health has a calming effect on the brain,” Chhabra says.

COVID-19 lockdown blue can be defeated and all we require is some motivation and the will.

Come, let’s pledge to make ourself happy and beat COVID-19 blues once and for all.