How to cope with your mental health during the pandemic?
Covid-19 has considerably impacted the physical well-being as well as the mental health of selves. The overwhelming instances occurring around the world make it challenging for an individual to keep sanity. Therefore, stress and anxiety levels have been on the rise ever since the pandemic occurred.
Amid these dreadful times, mental health can be affected severely. Fear of losing a loved one or job, difficulty in coping with the daily chores, lockdown claustrophobia, reduced appetite, and insomnia are some symptoms indicating declining mental health.
For the ones who were already battling with mental health issues, the triggers seem to have risen. This has troubled their entire wellness.
Precaution is better than cure.
By taking prudent actions during the pandemic, we can improve our emotional and subconscious well-being. The following practical methods have proven beneficial to me personally and others in enhancing their mental health.
- Exercise mindful breathing
The coronavirus leads to dreadful respiratory infections along with other diseases. Shortness of breath has been reported by the victims of this epidemic. The rise in the acquisition of oxygen cylinders/concentrators let me awe earlier.
If nothing else, the pandemic personally taught me to appreciate every sigh of breath. From my psychotherapy lessons, I began practicing mindful breathing techniques.
As per the University of California Berkely’s — Greater Good Science Centre, applying this practice for five to seven minutes each day can help us increase mindfulness and serenity. With every wholesome deep breath we take mindfully, try taking note of the lung expanding and contracting.
Bonus- These practices also benefit in reducing anxiety & stress and help inducing sleep.
2. Limit your content consumption
Due to decreased social activities and physical get-togethers, our consumption of content has reached heights. This may be in the form of social media, newspapers, or even television. With not many options to play around with, social media forms the easiest method to kill time.
If history has taught us anything, it’s that too much of anything has side effects, physically and mentally. The rate at which digital assets affect our minds and body is exponential. From headaches, spinal injuries, reduced eye power to anxiety, major depression — its impact is large.
Thus limiting screen time and choosing the content we consume wisely can help us better our well-being. There are various means by which we can take a digital detox.
By using the techniques stated above, I reduced my screen time by more than 50%. This helped me to invest time for myself and my loved ones, and improve my mental harmony.
3. Sweat it out!
The pandemic and its restrictions have made us physically inactive. This resulted in reduced immunity and mobility for our bodies and mind.
While exercising can boost our fitness, it has also demonstrated improved moods and a decline in sorrow. The endorphins released while sweating out have umpteen privileges.
Though there are various restrictions on workout places, gyms, and recreation centers, there are strategies to guarantee a stable workout regime.
4. Be thankful
With so many lives at stake during Covid 19, the gift of life has gained back its significance. The materialistic possessions, envy, lust, and greed all have persuaded us to have nil impact on our beneficial living.
Being grateful stems from a positive outlook. Gratitude has many psychological and spiritual advantages as well that lift our day-to-day attitude.
As for me, I practice gratefulness guided meditation every week in the morning. As a part of my routine, I also perform thankfulness prayers at sunrise and before bed. This has helped me significantly to improve my lifestyle.
5. Be there for your dear ones (and yourself first)
We’re in this together.
We will get through this.
The above are few phrases that are used more than often these days. It is because of these tough prevailing times, we need to solitary stand by others' side.
By supporting our well-wishers, families, and friends we offer assurance to them. This in turn gives us a sense of satisfaction and joy.
We need to be conscious and not overwhelm ourselves while having others back. Therefore, we should focus on focus on being at peace with ourselves and then helping others.
6. Indulge in your favorite activities
Every day is a good day to pamper ourselves. Hence, involving ourselves in actions we love will stimulate our happy hormones.
Skipping, painting, dancing, sports, movies, or singing — anything and everything that makes your adrenaline rush should be a part of your daily routine. Not only will this make you joyous but shall help you to improve on these skills. On a side note, doing these will keep us sane from the current unfortunate happenings.
Mental health during the pandemic should not be ignored and instead should be prioritized. This is possible only when enough awareness and the stigmas are revolving around it are broken.
Though the above steps can be used for the betterment of our well-being as a whole. If there’s anyone (you or known) facing grave and urgent mental issues, urging them to seek professional help for the same.
I wish you and your loved ones good health of mind, body, and soul. Hoping that God grants strength and courage to those who are facing tough times. Stay safe and take care.
Empathy is a virtue I have developed over the years. Therefore, will be more than glad to have a chat with you. Feel free to reach out here.
