Life has never been as uncertain before, and the COVID-19 crisis has plunged a lot of minds into depression and negativity pools. The stress of quarantine, fear of the omnipresent virus, and the enforced inactivity is enough to pull down even the most energetic soul. Recent reports say that divorce application rates are sky rising, and there is a sharp increase in mental health issues. Add to that the fear of losing your job and the situation becomes worse. Thankfully, there are a lot of ways you can ensure your well-being without resorting to extreme measures in this COVID-19 pandemic.
manage media exposure
With the information overflow about COVID-19 from all media sources, maintaining mental sanity may be difficult, especially if you consume too much news. Set a time limit for media consumption that has a reasonable cap value; say 1 hour. Consciously, avoid spending even an extra minute in listening to the news. Stay away from media channels that offer sensational news formats and instead rely on Government validated news figures and statistics. Do not keep reading/ liking / reposting social media content about the COVID-19 crisis.
pick up creative pursuits
The joy of creating something beautiful automatically boosts your confidence and sense of empowerment. The COVID-19 caused lockdown makes this the perfect time to hone up your creative skills or to learn a new one. Pick up a craft close to your heart like painting, cooking, gardening, writing, etc. and focus on it daily. Set apart an hour every day for working on that skill/ hobby. Also, set up small projects for yourself, like transforming your balcony with a new set of plants or finishing a painting in one week. Mental health benefits from goal-oriented work that requires discipline and inspires a sense of self-fulfillment.
build a support network
The most significant side effect of social isolation is that it cuts away human bonding. It’s great if you have a supportive family, for they can help in maintaining your sanity levels in these trying times. But even if you don’t have a support network at home, build/ look for positive support from friends and extended family. Conduct video calls, make Whatsapp groups, and FaceTime to your heart’s content. Use modern technology as much as possible to fill up the void left in your life. Lend a listening ear to others problems, and automatically you will start feeling better about your issues. However, remember not to discuss COVID-19 issues in those Whatsapp groups again.
workout regularly
Workout, even for 30 minutes per day, can make a big difference to your mental well-being. It’s a documented fact that exercise releases a bunch of feel-good hormones called “endorphins” in the brain, and you feel energized and positive afterward. Now that gym access isn’t an option, start by walking on a green tree-lined road and then upgrade to jogging when you feel that fitness levels have increased. Mental health is deeply tied up with physical fitness, so there is no underestimating the value of exercise. It doesn’t matter if you haven’t exercised ever in your life. The best time to start is today!!
seek professional help
If you have a deep-rooted emotional problem or suffering from mental health issues or a victim of a toxic relationship, ensuring well-being may involve seeking professional help. In these uncertain times, these problems are bound to exaggerate and should not be ignored at any cost.
As per reports, 70% of people suffering from multi-faceted mental health issues benefit genuinely from an abiding support network operated by trained psychologists.
Telemedicine is in trend and in each session the counseling team will encourage openness, honesty, and mutual trust between the patient and the provider. Choose a clinic that provides a warm and welcoming setting that fosters a nurturing, symbiotic relationship with each new and returning patient.
introspect
The more attuned you are to your feelings and reaction patterns, the more difficult it is for any crisis to affect you profoundly. Focus on identifying negative thought patterns and slowly start replacing them with healthy thought patterns and coping mechanisms. Once you know what irritates, angers, or depresses you, you will be better equipped to deal with those triggers. Introspection is at the heart of any cohesive self-management effort.
Remember that COVID-19 may be strong, but your mind is stronger, and you will win if you start thinking like a winner!!!