Protecting your Mental Health this Pandemic
Are you struggling to adapt to the new normal? Or finding it hard to make adjustments during this pandemic? If you answered yes to both these questions, there’s no need to worry much about it; you are not alone. Keep reading to check out some ways on how to protect your mental health. We’re all in this together.
A Sudden Shift
We weren’t exactly ready for all the sudden changes that took place after the coronavirus broke out: the imposition of strict travel restrictions (which made it challenging for us to move from one place to another), the closing of establishments (which disabled us from having our normal grocery, shopping, or dinner trips), the required wearing of protective gear (that’s uncomfortable for some), and the constant instruction to stay at home (which can get isolating after a while), among many others. It’s perfectly understandable to feel uneasy or isolated with all that’s happening.
Of course, all these preventive measures are necessary to reduce our chances of contracting the virus, but we cannot deny that these mostly secluding efforts can also take a toll on one’s mental health (which determines the quality of our lives). With this, it’s important to recognize that taking care of our minds has never been more crucial than this time.
Ways to Protect your Mental Health this Pandemic
Prevention is better than cure. Prevent the worse from happening by deciding to take care of yourself. Follow these simple and easy ways to protect your mental health during this pandemic.
Acknowledge what you feel
It’s okay to be down, just as it’s okay to be happy. Be honest with yourself and acknowledge your feelings without judgment. You’ll find that the more you practice being mindful of your emotions, the better you’ll get at managing it, shifting it from positive to negative, and making it work for you.
Come up with a daily routine
Setting a daily routine can help address feelings of uncertainty during this uncertain time. Brainstorm and identify which activities you’d like to include in your day-to-day life, make a schedule, then do your best to stick to it. Preparing a routine might not be the most exciting thing to do, but it would help keep you sane most especially if you're studying or working from home, where feelings of anxiety or isolation can creep in if you’re not occupied.
Make time for the things that you love
It’s always a good idea to make time for the things that you love because it can make you feel great in an instant. It also sparks within you that joy and enthusiasm that you need to stay in the positive lane. Be it singing, painting, dancing, or whatever, if it’s something you enjoy pouring your heart into, do it!
Stay in touch with close family and friends
Give your family members and close friends a call from time to time. It would help to speak with the people you trust to keep your mental health at bay. They would appreciate you keeping in contact, too. With many messaging technologies available nowadays, there’s no excuse not to communicate with your loved ones.
Listen to feel-good music
Listening to music is one of the easiest and best ways to lift your spirits or keep you motivated. Download your favorite feel-good tracks and combine them all in a playlist. Don’t forget to check the lyrics of the songs you listen to because it subliminally gets to you. Great beats + positive lyrics= positive vibes.
Eat the right foods
It’s important to watch the foods you eat because they play a large role in affecting your mood. Avoid sugary and processed foods as it has been said that too much of it may increase your chances of having mood swings. Go for the healthier alternatives instead, such as fruits or nuts. It would also be a good idea to cut down on alcohol and lessen your caffeine intake.
Engage in physical activities
Get moving; have some home workout sessions or dance to your favorite tunes. Make it a point to include any form of exercise included in your daily or weekly schedule. When you engage in physical activities, your body releases endorphins that help reduce stress and boost self-esteem.
Remember, your mental health matters. Take care and stay safe during this pandemic ♡
