South Africa: to manage stress in times of pandemic, to each his own method
Audio 02:22
Fear of the coronavirus, of the disappearance of loved ones, unemployment on the rise, frustration with restrictions ... Many factors reinforce the reasons for being under tension.
© Getty Images / Contributor
By: Claire Bargelès Follow
6 mins
After months of a pandemic, one coronavirus wave after another, stress levels are at an all-time high.
So in Johannesburg, everyone tries their hand to find the way that suits them best to try to relax.
Publicity
From our correspondent in Johannesburg,
In this park in Soweto,
a yoga group
takes advantage of the still warm rays of the sun, before the onset of winter.
“
Inhale and do the flat back.
Exhale and lean forward,
”Keoagile's voice is heard.
For this instructor, it is important to bring the practice of yoga to the townships, where like everywhere, stress levels have increased in times of pandemic.
It helps in any case Thando, 31 years old “
Now we live in uncertainty.
I had set up my business of styling services, for example for weddings.
Since then, no more phone calls or orders, and bad news is coming from my bank… So yes, it's a very difficult time,
”says Thando.
Then to add: “
When you do yoga, you forget all this for a moment, and you focus on your well-being, so it's important, for my mental health,
” she says.
► Also to listen: Stress and burnout, the other consequences of Covid-19
Walk to decompensate
A few kilometers away is a 700 hectare nature reserve.
His parking lot is already full.
Walking has increasingly hit the coast since the start of the pandemic, and hiking trails get crowded every weekend.
Busi became a follower within months.
“
The clubs were closed at one point, so there wasn't much to do except go for a walk,
” she laughs.
“
And finally observing nature helps to release stress.
Mentally, it's refreshing.
It keeps you from being depressed,
”she finds.
Break everything to release stress
But to get rid of their frustrations, other South Africans are turning to a slightly more "violent" method.
Since last September, a
rage room
has opened in the north of the city.
► Also to listen: In Paris, a company offers to break everything in a room to let off steam
The concept is simple, according to its creator Marco Caromba: “
How many times, when you were angry, have you watched your TV, or your phone, and had the urge to break everything? Here is a place where you can experience this destruction. You can get rid of stress, or just break things for a laugh,
”says Marco Caromba. Customers come above all to have fun, but at the exit, Tzvia feels more relaxed: “
With the pandemic, of course, we have a lot of rage that wants to get out,
” she exclaims. “
It can be a bit impressive at first, but then you like it. Once in the room, we let off steam. And I think it feels good,
”adds Tzvia.
Moreover, if the stress becomes unmanageable, several psychological support groups indicate that they have set up calls and can redirect them to professionals.
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