Like any sweeping national change that requires major upheaval, demonetization has had an impact on India's mental health. Any kind of change that inconveniences us requires that we put in time and effort until we are comfortable with the new situation. More people are sharing stories of anxiety and depression triggered by the stress from the unexpected government announcement - and it is important to be talking about how we can take steps to help ourselves. Some of them that we can engage in from today are:

1. UNDERSTAND - the reasons behind demonetization?
Some people are for and some against, but sometimes just understanding the logic behind why you are being asked to adjust to something equips you with the knowledge and awareness to proceed further. Reading articles, discussing it with more informed people in your social network and forming your own opinion are good places to start.

2. LET GO- Which aspects of demonetization can you control?
It is very easy to sit back, blame the situation and feel like the victim, and much harder to focus your energy on the parts of the change that are within your control. But, like when you are stuck in a raging traffic jam, that only leaves you feeling angry, helpless and defeated. In this situation, assess how much you can control and assume responsibility for only that. For instance, try and plan ahead for all the documentation you will require when exchanging money. Get all your forms ready beforehand, talk to other people to understand the procedures involved, keep a tab on banks you are planning to visit to understand how quickly customers are being served, how fast money runs out, which branches are most efficient, and so on. These are small ways that you can assume some control of the situation and make things smoother for yourself.

3. PLAN AHEAD- Are you comfortable?
For instance, if you are planning a visit to the bank, ensure you are comfortable right down to the smallest detail - comfortable clothing, a bottle of water, snacks, even something to keep you entertained. If you have a friend or family member willing to come with you, make it a joint activity. Plan ahead to reward yourself (in a small way - cup of tea, ice cream) for a job well-done once you are back home.

4. BE INFORMED-Are you proactive?
For instance, most people tend to rely on bulletins from the RBI/newscasts. Reports have also shown that these tend to be inaccurate when compared with ground reality at banks. To stay ahead of such misinformation, stay in touch with local banks, finding out when money arrives at bank.

5. BE FLEXIBLE-Are you "with it"?
Most people are switching to cashless ways of going about their daily activities - whether it is using Paytm, Ola money, more online transactions. People who had only heard about such apps before are now experimenting with these methods as they have no option - and finding that it is a much easier process than having to account for cash transactions. Try and use it as an exercise to try something new.

6. SEEK & GIVE SUPPORT-Who do you talk to?
Talk to other people and see how they are handling the change. What are the methods that they have discovered to cope with the same situation? See whether the same work for you. Share your own ideas in turn and see whether other people find the same helpful. In addition, talking to a counselor and figuring out ways to cope might really help you.

7. BUILD COPING- What do you do to de-stress?
Despite using proactive steps to help yourself, sometimes the anxiety builds up - worrying about paying for daily expenses like vegetables to paying for one-off grand events like a wedding in a suddenly cashless society can really eat into your peace of mind. This is the time to indulge in relaxation strategies that you had previously dabbled in rarely - dancing, painting, singing, walking, gardening, writing, reading, cooking, cleaning - find your activity that helps you zone out and enter a more peaceful world. In addition, doctors recommend vamping up your physical activity these days to help ease the impact of stress hormones - take the stairs, walk an extra ten minutes and get up from your desk every hour to keep your body and mind active.