Premlata Agarwal, fighting fit at 57, seems to have a remedy to combat the increased stress levels that these times of crisis have resulted in.

With negative thoughts affecting most people forced to stay indoors on account of the nationwide lockdown, the mantra charted out by Premlata, an Everester and recipient of the Tenzing Norgay National Adventure Award, to deal with the situation is to reclaim the “I can” spirit .

“It is essential to remain positive during these difficult time. People should try and believe in themselves and that nothing is impossible in life,” Premlata, an officer at Tata Steel Adventure Foundation (TSAF), said.

According to her, negative thoughts and attitude might be ingrained in the mindset of many of the people but there should be no place for pessimism.

“In fact, I think people should also develop positivity through fitness sessions, including yoga, which is helpful in boosting immune system,” Premlata said.

The Padma Shri recipient is using the lockdown to keep herself and the community fit. The famed climber, working from home, is imparting yoga and fitness lessons to her students of Beyond Fitness, a health unit run by the TSAF at JRD Tata Sports Complex.

“Everybody should take to yoga and fitness in the hustle bustle of life. I have always maintained that fitness is the key in keeping afloat in stressful days. Try and think positively and deal with crisis strongly,” Premlata advised.

She takes her students to Dalma hills for trekking and also leads teams for expeditions to outstation locations, including Manali, as part of her fitness sessions.

These trips are aimed at boosting the confidence level of the participants and make them believe and help them develop the “I can” spirit.

She knows the importance of keeping herself fit as she will have to resume her activities of leading teams to expeditions once the situation improves, a trait that turned the homemaker in her into a celebrity mountaineer through hard work and self-confidence.