How to Reduce Anxiety During Times of War in India – Ancient Wisdom for Modern Minds

✍️ By Parikshit Khanna

Section	Details, Insights & Actions
Introduction	India stands at the crossroads of uncertainty. War, media noise, and political instability can silently drain the emotional strength of professionals, students, and working families. But this is not the first time humanity has faced such fear. Our ancestors documented timeless principles in scriptures like the Vishnu Puran. This blog shares a modern application of those teachings to help you stay calm, productive, and spiritually grounded.
1. Vishnu’s Yog Nidra – Silence Before Strategy	Story: When creation had not yet begun, Vishnu rested in Yog Nidra. The universe was born not from panic—but from peaceful preparation. Practice: Morning “no-input” zone – no phone, no emails, just conscious breathing. Professional Tip: Create 30 mins of daily solitude to think clearly before reacting to external pressure.
2. The Poison Before the Nectar – Don’t Over-Churn the News	Story: In Samudra Manthan, gods churned the ocean. First came poison, then came amrit. Tip: Limit news intake to 2 fixed slots (10 AM & 6 PM). Use news as an update, not a lifestyle. Mantra: “Om Vishnave Namah” when overwhelmed by fear or distraction.
3. Dhruva’s Focus – Be the North Star in Chaos	Story: Dhruva, a child rejected by his stepmother, meditated until Vishnu appeared. His pain became purpose. Action: Turn pain into purpose. Block 90 minutes daily for deep work. No interruptions. Journal Prompt: What is one thing I can become world-class at in chaos?
4. The Churning is Preparation – Not Punishment	Interpretation: Your uncertainty today is your churning. Relationships, careers, mental health—all improve when you endure without quitting. Advice: Stick to your routine even when motivation is missing. Consistency > emotion. Mantra: “Om Shantih Shantih Shantih” (for inner peace during outer noise)
5. Rama’s Exile – Build Leadership in Low Moments	Story: Rama didn’t fight exile. He accepted it as preparation. In the forest, he became a leader. Tip: If your work life feels stuck or you're unemployed, treat it as training time. Upskill. Learn. Lead without the title. Professional Note: Start a “war journal”—a log of daily wins (no matter how small).
6. Krishna’s Strategy – Don’t Be Emotional, Be Effective	Story: Krishna didn’t stop the war. He guided Arjuna through it. His lesson: detach and act. Advice: Don’t make career decisions based on fear or peer pressure. Act from calm reflection. Work Tip: Use the “next right thing” rule—what’s one useful task I can do right now?
7. Vamana’s Step – Take Small, Strategic Actions	Story: Vishnu, as Vamana, asked for three steps. He changed the cosmos with a small act of clarity. Tip: Start small—20 pushups, 1-hour learning, declutter workspace. Small actions restore control during war-time uncertainty. Mantra: “Govindam Paramam Daivam” (chant during walks or work to stay grounded)
8. Kalki Within – Destroy the Old Version of You	Lesson: You don’t need to wait for things to get worse. Act like Kalki—end old habits that keep you weak. Task: List 3 habits you need to destroy this week. Replace them with 3 anchors (e.g., walking, reading, affirmations). Reflection: “What would the best version of me do now?”
9. Mini-Meditation Techniques (Ancient + Practical)	1. Vishnu Breath Hold – Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat 10 times. Done on your chair. 2. Mantra Focus – Close eyes. Repeat “Om Namo Narayanaya” with each breath. 3. Ocean Visualization – Imagine your mind as the ocean. Let waves rise and fall. Anchor yourself like Vishnu on Sheshnag. When: Midday slump, panic, negative spiral.
10. Ancient Stories. Modern Courage.	Short Story: The Devotee and the Missile  During a cross-border conflict, a man kept feeding cows as missiles flew overhead. Asked why, he said: “If I die, I want to die while doing something meaningful.” Moral: Keep showing up for your work, your people, your dharma.
Bonus: 5 Practical Daily Anchors for Professionals	1. Wake Up With Gratitude (3 things) 2. One Hour of Deep Work before checking news or social media 3. 15-Min Calm Break post-lunch: mantra, walk, or journaling 4. Evening Reflection: 3 wins + 1 lesson 5. Night Detachment Practice: End with “Hari Om Tat Sat” – I did what I could. The rest is divine.
Motivational Quotes for Wartime Hustle	- “In a noisy world, your discipline becomes your roar.”  - “You don’t need to feel strong to start. Starting is strength.”  - “God didn’t promise calm around you. He promised calm inside you.”  - “You are not here to panic. You are here to perform.”
Final Message	The news may change. Leaders may fall. Economies may shake. But your inner strength doesn’t have to collapse. Let the teachings of Vishnu guide your calm, your craft, and your character. 🕊️ Be like Vishnu—calm on the outside, deeply aligned on the inside. 💼 Show up like Krishna—play the long game. 🔥 Rise like Kalki—end what no longer serves you. And above all, remember: You are not powerless. You are eternal.