Chest & Sleep Medicine (Pulmonology)

Robotic heart surgery in India is gaining prominence as an advanced and minimally invasive cardiac care option. In this detailed blog, we'll explore the intricacies of robotic heart surgery, how it works, and who can benefit from it. Robotic Heart Surgery: A Precise Procedure1. Robotic Surgical System: Robotic heart surgery relies on the da Vinci Surgical System, a state-of-the-art platform comprising a specialized console, robotic arms, and miniature surgical instruments. Highly trained surgeons operate the console, which is equipped with a cutting-edge high-definition 3D camera. This camera provides a magnified and crystal-clear view of the surgical site, ensuring precise navigation during the procedure.2. Patient Preparation: Before the surgery commences, a comprehensive patient evaluation is conducted. This evaluation includes a series of diagnostic tests, such as advanced imaging scans and angiography. These tests play a crucial role in assessing the patient's heart condition and serve as the foundation for meticulous surgical planning.3. Anesthesia Administration: To guarantee the patient's comfort and safety throughout the procedure, general anesthesia is administered. This ensures that the patient remains completely unconscious and pain-free during the surgery, allowing the surgical team to work with precision.4. Small Incisions: What sets robotic heart surgery apart from traditional procedures is the use of small incisions. Typically, 3-4 tiny incisions are made in the patient's chest. These incisions are significantly smaller than those required in conventional open-heart surgery. The smaller incisions minimize trauma to the patient's body and contribute to a quicker recovery.5. Robotic Arms and Instruments: To access the heart and perform the necessary surgical steps, highly flexible robotic arms and miniature surgical instruments are introduced through the small incisions. These robotic arms are engineered to mimic the surgeon's hand movements with exceptional precision. This ensures that the surgery is conducted with the utmost accuracy.6. Surgical Procedure: With the assistance of the advanced 3D camera system, the surgeon conducts the heart surgery while comfortably seated at the console. The high-definition visuals not only magnify the surgical site but also provide an optimal view, allowing the surgeon to navigate and operate on the heart with unparalleled precision. This level of detail ensures that the procedure is executed with the utmost care.7. Real-time Feedback: The da Vinci Surgical System offers a remarkable feature: real-time feedback. Throughout the surgery, the robotic system continuously monitors the surgeon's hand movements, including any minor tremors or adjustments. It then translates these inputs into precise and steady movements of the surgical instruments. This feedback loop further enhances the accuracy and steadiness of the procedure.8. Completion and Recovery: Upon successful completion of the surgical procedure, the robotic instruments are carefully withdrawn from the patient's body, and the small incisions are meticulously closed. Following the surgery, patients enter a critical phase of recovery, during which they are closely monitored by medical professionals. This ensures that the patient progresses through the recovery process safely and smoothly.Advantages of Robotic Heart Surgery1. Precision and Accuracy: Robotic-assisted surgery stands out for its unparalleled precision, significantly reducing the potential for human error during cardiac procedures.2. Minimally Invasive: The use of smaller incisions in robotic heart surgery leads to less postoperative pain, minimal scarring, and a faster recovery compared to traditional open-heart surgery.3. Shorter Hospital Stays: Patients undergoing robotic heart surgery experience quicker recovery times, translating into reduced hospitalization periods and a quicker return to their normal lives.4. Reduced Blood Loss: The minimally invasive nature of robotic procedures results in significantly less blood loss during surgery, enhancing patient safety and reducing the need for blood transfusions.5. Quicker Recovery: Patients who opt for robotic heart surgery can resume their regular activities and return to work sooner than those undergoing conventional cardiac surgeries.6. Lower Infection Risk: The smaller incisions made during robotic heart surgery reduce the risk of postoperative infections, ensuring a smoother recovery process.Who Can Benefit from Robotic Heart Surgery in India?1. Mitral Valve Disease Patients: Robotic heart surgery is particularly advantageous for individuals suffering from mitral valve disease. This advanced approach allows for precise repairs or replacements of the mitral valve with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.2. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Patients: Patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease, especially those requiring coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), benefit from robotic surgery. It minimizes postoperative pain and facilitates a faster recovery.3. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Patients: Robotic-assisted surgical ablation effectively restores normal heart rhythm for patients with atrial fibrillation, improving their quality of life.4. Aortic Valve Disease Patients: Individuals with aortic valve disease find relief through robotic aortic valve repair or replacement, which is associated with smaller incisions and accelerated recovery.5. Complex Cardiac Procedures: Robotic heart surgery is ideally suited for complex cardiac procedures demanding precision and accuracy. Surgeons can successfully navigate intricate surgeries using robotic technology.6. High-risk Patients: High-risk patients, such as those of advanced age or with underlying health conditions, often choose robotic surgery due to its minimally invasive nature, which reduces surgical stress on the body.7. Minimally Invasive Approach Seekers: Patients who prioritize minimal pain and scarring as well as a faster recovery are drawn to robotic heart surgery, which aligns perfectly with their preferences for a less invasive cardiac procedure.Robotic Heart Surgery in India: An Emerging TrendIndia has emerged as a hub for medical tourism, and robotic heart surgery is no exception. The country boasts world-class hospitals and highly skilled cardiac surgeons who are proficient in performing robotic-assisted cardiac procedures. Here are some reasons why robotic heart surgery in India is gaining popularity:1. Cost-effectiveness: Robotic heart surgery in India is often more cost-effective than the same procedures in Western countries. This makes it an attractive option for international patients seeking high-quality cardiac care at a fraction of the cost.2. Skilled Surgeons: India is home to a cadre of renowned cardiac surgeons who have received training and experience in performing robotic-assisted surgeries. Their expertise ensures excellent outcomes for patients.3. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Leading hospitals in India are equipped with state-of-the-art robotic surgical systems, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety.4. Minimal Waiting Times: Patients from abroad often experience shorter waiting times for robotic heart surgeries in India compared to their home countries.5. Comprehensive Medical Tourism Support: Many hospitals in India offer comprehensive support for medical tourists, including travel arrangements, accommodation, and post-operative care.Robotic heart surgery in India represents a significant advancement in the field of cardiac care. Its precision, minimally invasive approach, and faster recovery times make it an attractive option for patients with various cardiac conditions. As the technology continues to evolve and gain prominence, more individuals are likely to benefit from the remarkable advantages it offers.

IntroductionThe field of chest medicine, also known as pulmonology, is of paramount importance in today's world. As respiratory health concerns continue to rise, the expertise of chest specialists becomes increasingly vital. India is home to some of the world's most renowned chest specialists who have made significant strides in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of respiratory diseases. In this blog, we will introduce you to the top 10 chest specialists in India, celebrated for their dedication, expertise, and innovations in respiratory health. 1. Dr. Arun Chowdary Kotaru Dr. Arun Chowdary Kotaru is a Respiratory/ Pulmonology specialist with 9 years of experience. He passed out as the best going student from AFMC, Pune and is an enthusiastic and vivid clinician with patient-centric management. He is currently associated with Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram as a Consultant-Respiratory/ Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine. Dr. Kotaru completed his MBBS from GSL Medical College, Rajamahendravaram, and post-graduation in Respiratory Medicine from AFMC, Pune. He also holds a DNB in Respiratory Medicine. He is an active member of the Indian Chest Society (ICS). Dr. Kotaru's clinical focus is on Pulmonary Hypertension, Sleep, and Interventional Pulmonology. He is capable of performing all the latest pulmonary interventions available to date, including Bronchoscopy, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Transbronchial lung biopsies, Transbronchial needle aspiration, Thoracoscopy and pleural biopsy, and Endobronchial ultrasound + TBNA. Dr. Kotaru is the recipient of several awards, including the AFMC Gold Medal in the specialty of Respiratory Medicine and the Best Paper Presentation Award in NAPCON 2015, Jaipur. He is committed to providing the best possible care to his patients with his vast experience and expertise. Awards AFMC Gold Medal in the speciality of Respiratory Medicine Best paper presntation award in NAPCON 2015, Jaipur 2. Dr. Avi Kumar Dr. Avi Kumar joined the prestigious institution through Delhi PG Medical Entrance Examination 2006 and underwent a three year postgraduate residency programme in pulmonary medicine. Dr Kumar is extensively trained in - Intensive respiratory care unit:Mechanical ventilation (Siemens Servo-i), non invasive ventilation ( Respmed BiPAP and CPAP machines), intensive care monitoring, chest tube drainage, pleurodesis, arterial blood gas analysis and other critical care activities. Sleep laboratory:Diagnostic Polysomnography, Split Night Polysomnography with CPAP titration, Multiple Sleep Latency Testing (MSLT) and Maintenance of Wakefulness Testing (MWT). Pulmonary function laboratory:Computerized lung function testing that include spirometry, lung volume estimation by helium dilution method, diffusion studies by CO single breath method, bronchodilator response, exercise bronchoprovocation testing and histamine challenge testing. Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy and Autofluorescence Video Bronchoscopy:Bronchoscopic visualization of tracheobronchial tree, bronchoalveolar lavage(BAL), endobronchial and transbronchial lung biopsy(EBLB and TBLB) and transbronchial needle aspiration(TBNA) for various respiratory disease. 3. Dr. Gyanendra Agrawal Dr. Agrawal has a rich experience of managing a wide variety of critically ill patients especially those with respiratory ailments. He has done more than 1200 flexible bronchoscopies and about 300 medical thoracoscopies. Dr.Gyanendra Agarwal is an esteemed member of the Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM)Indian Society of Critical Care Medicine (ISCCM) and National College of Chest Physicians. Areas Of Specialization Interventional Pulmonology including EBUS. NIV assisted Bronchoscopy. Whole Lung Lavage. ECMO. Current Experience Working as Senior Consultant at Jaypee Hospital, Noida. 4. Dr. Prashant Saxena Fellowship training was completed by Dr. Prashant Saxena at Westmead & Liverpool Hospitals in Sydney, Australia. He has extensive knowledge of interventional pulmonary medicine and critical care. Additionally, he has received training in interventional pulmonary medicine from Greece, thoracoscopy from France, and paediatric bronchoscopy from Italy. He also holds the prestigious European Diploma in Intensive Care (EDIC, Europe), Fellow College of Chest Physicians (FCCP, USA), and European Diploma in Adult Respiratory Medicine (EDARM, Europe). Dr. Prashant has clinical expertise in the treatment of critically ill patients as well as the management of a variety of respiratory conditions, such as TB, Asthma, COPD, chronic lung diseases, Allergy, Respiratory Failure, Lung Fibrosis, Pulmonary Hypertension, smoking cessation, Sarcoidosis, and lung cancer. He is also an authority in sleep problems and interventional bronchoscopy. Dr. Saxena is dedicated to giving his patients the most comprehensive critical care he can. He has devised straightforward yet efficient infection prevention bundle routines as a result of his particular focus in infection control, which have greatly decreased the occurrence of hospital-acquired infections. In order to stop the development of antibiotic resistance, reduce avoidable hospital-associated illnesses, and lower treatment costs, he also devised and executed an antibiotics stewardship programme in the hospital. Treatments: Complicated Lung diseases management Bronchoscopy Chest Disease Treatment Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) Insomnia Treatment Interstitial Lung Disease Treatment Sleep Study Respiratory Tract Infection Lung Cancer Treatment Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment Lung Fibrosis Sleep Apnea Sarcoidosis Sleep Related breathing Disorder 5. Dr. M.S.Kanwar Dr. M.S.Kanwar has 45 years of experience in handling Critical Care, Acute and Chronic Respiratory diseases like Asthma, COPD Allergies, Lung Infections, Interstitial Lung Fibrosis, Sarcoidosis, and Lung Cancer. He is a Pioneer in Sleep Medicine in India and started this field for the first time in a big way in 1995 when he set up Asia's Largest and State of the Art Sleep Lab at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. His team had done the largest Sleep studies in the country and he gets referrals for Sleep consultation from abroad also. His research papers on Sleep Apnea have been presented in the world conferences on Sleep Medicine. He is involved in training the Lung Transplant staff as well as in spreading the awareness on this cutting edge technology among physicians and the general public because this is a new life-saving modality in severely crippled Lung Failure cases. With 48 years of experience in these domains, Dr. M.S. Kanwar is a pulmonologist and specialist in tuberculous and chest diseases in Sarita Vihar, Delhi. At the Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in Delhi's Sarita Vihar, Dr. M.S. Kanwar sees patients. In 1974, he earned his MBBS from Guru Nanak Dev University. In 1979, he earned his MD in tuberculosis and respiratory diseases/medicine from the same institution. In 1982, the National Board of Examinations awarded him membership in the National Academy of Medical Sciences (Respiratory Diseases). Fellowships / Memberships a) Fellowship training in Echocardiography University of Alabama, Birmingham(USA) in 1994, USA. b) Fellowship training in Pulmonary & critical care Mayo clinic in 1993-1994, USA. c) Fellowship training in Sleep medicine Mayo clinic in 1993-1994, USA. d) Clinical Observership Training in LUNG TRANSPLANT University Hospital Network(UHN), TGH, TORONTO in Sept. 2019, CANADA. e) FCCP American College of Chest Physicians since 1992, USA. f) FAMS (One Year Fellowship, Cardiology) University of Vienna since 1995, Austria. g) Fellow ISDA Indian Sleep Disorder Association since 2001, India. h) Fellow ISCCM Society of Critical Care Medicine since 2002, India 6. Dr. Mrinal Sircar Dr. Mrinal Sircar is a Senior Consultant in the Department of Oncology at Fortis Hospital in Noida, India. He is a well-regarded medical oncologist with over two decades of experience in the field of cancer treatment and care. Dr. Sircar has completed his MBBS and MD in Internal Medicine from the prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He also holds a DNB in Medical Oncology from the National Board of Examinations, New Delhi. Dr. Sircar specialises in the treatment of various types of cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancers, and lymphoma. He has expertise in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. He also has extensive experience in the management of cancer-related pain and palliative care. Dr. Sircar is actively involved in clinical research and has published several papers in national and international medical journals. He is also a member of various medical societies and associations, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO). Patients have praised Dr. Sircar for his compassionate and patient-center care, his thorough explanations of medical conditions and treatment options, and his ability to make patients feel comfortable and at ease during their appointments. He is dedicated to providing his patients with the best possible outcomes and ensuring that they receive personalized care that meets their unique needs. 7. Dr. Manoj Kumar Goel Dr. Manoj Kumar Goel is one of the eminent Pulmonologists and Critical Care Specialists, having rich experience of latest treatment of respiratory diseases. Dr Kumar is well versed with most modern procedures in Pulmonology but also excels in Advanced Therapeutic Pulmonary Interventions to treat blocked airways. Dr. Goel is also an expert in Sleep Medicine. Awards He has received National Award from National college of Chest Physicians for research in Pulmonary Interventions. Areas Of Interest Asthma COPD Bronchitis Chronic Cough Respiratory Allergy and Infections Interstitial Lung Disease Lung Fibrosis Environmental disorders 8. Dr Nikhil Modi Dr, Nikhil Modi is Presently Working as a Consultant in the Department of Respiratory, Critical care and Sleep medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi.. He has been previously associated with premier institutes like Maulana Azad Medical college and V.P. Chest institute New Delhi. He has a vast experience in dealing with all types of respiratory ailments including sleep disorders, with extensive exposure of fibreoptic bronchoscopy and other chest related procedures and managing all types of critically ill patients. He has a vast experience and specialized training related to: Intensive care unit Sleep laboratory and polysomnography Pulmonary function laboratory Fibreoptic Bronchoscopy and Auto fluorescence Video Bronchoscopy Allergy skin testing and immunotherapy for aeroallergens Tobacco cessation clinic Cardiopulmonary exercise testing Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation clinic 9. Dr. Ammaiyappan Palaniswamy Dr. Ammaiyappan Palaniswamy Chockalingam is a Pulmonologist in Adyar, Chennai and has an experience of 21 years in this field. Dr. Ammaiyappan Palaniswamy Chockalingam also practices at Dr. Ammaiyappan's Chest Clinic in Adyar, Chennai, Arka Center for Hormonal Health Pvt Ltd in Adyar, Chennai and Fortis Malar Hospital in Adyar, Chennai. He completed MBBS from Annamalai University in 1997,Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD) from Madras Medical College, Chennai in 2002 and MD - Tuberculosis & Respiratory Diseases/Medicine from Madras Medical College, Chennai in 2015. He is a member of Indian Medical Association (IMA). Some of the services provided by the doctor are: Pulmonary Function Test (PFT),Polysomnogram/Home Sleep Study, Lung Function Tests/Spirometry, Treatment Of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Decortication etc. 10. Dr. S. R. Goyal Dr. S. R. Goyal has worked extensively in the field of Respiratory Medicine, Tuberculosis, Immunology, Sleep Medicine & Critical Care. Armed with impeccable qualifications & perspicacious diagnostic abilities, has his keen interest in Interventional Pulmonology and works tirelessly towards taking this field to new heights. He aims to soon start a successful & sustainable Lung Transplantation Program with the collaboration of Thoracic Surgery team in order to provide benefit to those with end-stage lung diseases such as COPD, ILD, BRONCHIECTASIS etc. He has presented his work at multiple academic forums on National &International levels such as NAPCON, TESCON, PULMOCON, ICONIC, Indian Science Congress (ISC) & European Respiratory Society World Congress (ERS). Trained in the technique of Rigid Bronchoscopy & Thoracoscopy under Dr. David Breen from Ireland in 2014. He also underwent advanced Interventional Pulmonology cum Thoracic Ultrasonography workshop at ERS, Munich, Germany where he learned the techniques of Endo Bronchial Ultrasound (EBUS - Linear & Radial Probe) plus Endo Bronchial Stent placement. He received training in Sleep Medicine (Diagnosis plus Management) at Pmocrit - All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), India. Certified in Diagnosis & Management of Respiratory Allergy(Immunology) - Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, New Delhi, India. BLS-ACLS service provider: American Heart Association (AHA) - 2017.AwardsBest Paper Award: World TB Day - 2012Dr. C. N. Devianagam National Best Paper Award for the oral paper: NAPCON - 2013First Rank at TB Quest State Quiz: World TB Day - 2013Best Research Paper: Indian Science Congress - 2013Best Interactive Case Report (Oral) - 2014Best Paper Award: International Conference on insights & management of COPD (ICONIC) - 2014Gold Medal in Pulmonary Medicine: SRM University Convocation - 2014Rashtriya Gaurav Award Medicine: India International Friendship Society - 2015Top Three Pulmonology Teams of South Asia: British Medical Journal (BMJ) South Asia Awards - 2015Conclusion:Respiratory health is a cornerstone of overall well-being, and these top chest specialists in India exemplify excellence in the field of pulmonology. Their dedication to advancing respiratory care, research, and patient well-being is commendable. If you or a loved one are facing respiratory concerns, seeking consultation and treatment from these distinguished specialists can be a crucial step towards achieving and maintaining optimal respiratory health. Trust in their expertise, and breathe easy knowing your respiratory health is in the hands of the best. Read more: Providing Specialized Care for Patients with Chest Disorders

The field of thoracic surgery holds a pivotal role in the realm of medical care, addressing a range of disorders that affect the chest, including the lungs, oesophagus, and mediastinum. Burjeel Hospital's Thoracic Surgery department stands as a bastion of expertise, offering specialised care for patients grappling with intricate chest disorders. With a comprehensive range of treatments, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centred approach, the department is dedicated to restoring health and enhancing the quality of life for individuals facing thoracic challenges.Understanding Thoracic Disorders: Thoracic disorders encompass a diverse spectrum of conditions that affect the chest and its components. From lung diseases such as lung cancer, infections, and pulmonary fibrosis to issues involving the oesophagus, mediastinum, and diaphragm, the complexity of thoracic disorders demands specialised care from skilled thoracic surgeons.Burjeel Hospital's Specialised Expertise: Burjeel Hospital's Thoracic Surgery department is staffed with a team of highly trained and experienced thoracic surgeons. These specialists possess the expertise required to diagnose, treat, and manage a wide array of thoracic disorders, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their individual needs.Comprehensive Diagnostic Approaches: Accurate diagnosis forms the bedrock of effective treatment. The Thoracic Surgery department employs a range of advanced diagnostic tools to precisely identify the nature and extent of thoracic disorders. These include:1.Imaging Modalities: Cutting-edge imaging techniques such as CT scans, MRI, and PET scans provide detailed insights into the structure and function of thoracic organs, aiding in accurate diagnosis and staging.2.Endoscopic Procedures: Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures allow direct visualization of the internal structures of the chest, facilitating biopsies, tissue sampling, and the removal of lesions.3.Functional Tests: Pulmonary function tests and other functional assessments provide critical information about lung capacity, airflow, and respiratory efficiency, aiding in the evaluation of lung diseases.Advanced Surgical Techniques: Burjeel Hospital's Thoracic Surgery department excels in offering a diverse range of surgical interventions to address thoracic disorders. These include:1.Lung Resections: Whether treating lung cancer or other lung conditions, the department's surgeons perform precise lung resections, removing affected tissue while preserving healthy lung function.2.Esophageal Procedures: Surgical management of esophageal disorders, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or esophageal cancer, is conducted with precision, ensuring optimal outcomes and patient comfort.3.Mediastinal Interventions: Complex procedures involving the mediastinum, the central region of the chest, are skillfully performed by the department's experts, addressing conditions like thymomas and mediastinal tumors.4.Minimally Invasive Approaches: Whenever possible, the department employs minimally invasive techniques, such as video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), which reduce trauma, scarring, and recovery time for patients.Patient-Centered Approach: At the heart of Burjeel Hospital's Thoracic Surgery department is a patient-centered approach that revolves around personalized care and comprehensive support. This approach encompasses several key aspects:1.Individualized Treatment Plans: Recognizing the uniqueness of each patient's condition, the department's specialists create tailored treatment plans that take into account the specific diagnosis, patient preferences, and overall health status.2.Educational Empowerment: Patient education is paramount. The department ensures that patients and their families are well-informed about their condition, treatment options, and post-operative care, empowering them to actively participate in their journey to recovery.3.Emotional Support: Thoracic disorders can be emotionally taxing for patients and their families. The department provides emotional support and counseling services, helping individuals navigate the psychological challenges that accompany medical conditions.4.Palliative Care: For patients dealing with advanced thoracic disorders, palliative care plays a crucial role in improving quality of life. The department's holistic approach includes palliative care services that focus on symptom management, pain relief, and overall comfort.5.Rehabilitation and Recovery: Post-operative recovery and rehabilitation are integral to the department's care continuum. The team assists patients in their recovery journey, helping them regain functionality and resume their normal activities.Technological Advancements: Burjeel Hospital's Thoracic Surgery department stays at the forefront of medical innovation by incorporating state-of-the-art technology into its practices. This includes advanced surgical equipment, imaging systems, and navigation tools that enhance precision, safety, and patient outcomes.Conclusion:Burjeel Hospital's Thoracic Surgery department exemplifies the pinnacle of care for patients grappling with complex chest disorders. With a team of dedicated experts, advanced diagnostic capabilities, a patient-centric ethos, and cutting-edge technology, the department ensures that each patient receives the highest level of specialized care. By seamlessly integrating medical expertise with compassion, the department's surgeons illuminate the path to recovery, restoring health, hope, and quality of life for individuals facing thoracic challenges.Read more: Lung cancer: what, why, how's of the treatment

Our life was running so smooth until this corona jumped in. Corona came into play and shook the whole world, and the terror of corona spread trembling waves all over the world. The pandemic made it difficult for everyone to survive, so many restrictions were imposed suddenly, and everything was so pale, and everyone was caught inside their homes. Starting with the lockdown in March 2020 and till today we are in fear of corona. Corona turned out to be the most challenging time for every individual, starting from the wealthiest businessmen to the poorest labourer. The lockdown turned out to be a difficult period, and earning at this time was hard. From a small kid to the senior citizen, everyone had to stay in their homes. Unprivileged with the facility to move out of your house, the tension in every single head increased. Family meetings, gatherings, functions and celebration, all came to an end. This was very un-normal as no one was allowed to move out for anything irrespective of emergencies. This pandemic has significantly changed the way of living by establishing the 'new normal' way. To maintain social distancing, all of us are forced to work in remote work environments. While there are certainly some benefits of working from home, this transition has jeopardized our work-life balance. In short, work-life balance is the state of equilibrium where a person prioritizes one's career and personal life equally. Maintaining work-life balance is essential to lead a healthy, happy life. So here are some simple ways to maintain work-life balance during this pandemic Manage your expectations The key to lead a healthy work-life balance is to use free time for maximum productivity and manage your expectations by working with a little extra grace and patience. A simple example can explain this, imagine you are standing on one leg and putting all your weight onto that leg, your bones and muscles will have to adjust. Suppose your leg gets fatigued in this process because of suddenly balancing all of your weight. In that case, you won't condemn yourself for it, similarly, give yourself some time to adjust in this new work setting and unique work environment. Don't be hard on yourself. Create a dedicated workspace At work, you have your workspace, where you can work calmly but that's not the case in your home. Workspace directly impacts our productivity, so creating a designated workspace is essential for creating balance. Let the other people living with you know the boundaries your workspace. This will create healthy boundaries, and you can work calmly in your workspace. Take regular breaks In an average weekday, you would have left the office for lunch or coffee break. But while working from home, it gets challenging to get those break times. If you feel extra pressure to perform and show your 'worth', give yourself a break and cut yourself some slack. A brief walk or a lunch with a family member or your friend are some of the great ways to calm down. By performing these simple activities, you will feel refreshed and ready to be productive. Establish a routine Following a routine provides us with a sense of control in our lives. It also gives us a satisfactory feeling at the end of a productive day. Creating a new schedule which is suitable for your situation will be very helpful. Don't forget to reserve some time for your family, friends and loved ones. Carve out some time for yourself too. Have some 'me' time. Communicate your needs Communication is essential in these times of social distancing and increased isolation. Try to have healthy professional contact with your boss. 'Relationships can not grow without proper amount of communication' this quote is accurate to life. If you have a hard time managing tasks, talk to your boss and talk to your family for extra help. Communication is the only key to all these problems. Be kind to yourself Don't carve out your' me' time for all the workload you got. Don't find excuses like 'I don't have time for self care' to run away from responsibilities like taking your care. Consistency and keeping commitments to yourself are vital to maintaining your mental health in these challenging times. Make 'self care' your priority because without healthy mind and body you will fail to give your 100% productivity and if you are still having difficulties to boost up your mood, monitoring your emotions and physical response throughout the day can be the right way to determine when you might need professional help. Try to have a positive outlook.