The rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus has given rise to situations – social distancing, lockdown and quarantine. The situation has changed everything, from losing jobs to loved ones, we all have suffered a lot. Feeling lonely, anxious and uncertain is natural these days. There are steps we can take as to alleviate the anxiety and also take proper care of our mental health. Mental health is aal about our emotional, psychological, physiological and social well being. It affects how we basically think, feel, and act in situations.
When you feel like you have lost so much to lock down and the pandemic, it is very difficult to find positive aspects of it. I wanted to reflect on what I have learnt throughout this experience.
I learnt that despite the anxious part of my brain sometimes convincing me otherwise, I have a group of friends and family that supports me. I am grateful to technology which kept me connected to all my friends.
I learnt that there are so many ways of maintaining friendships from a distance, which has made me realise that I want to continue having regular video/voice calls with those I care about regardless of the pandemic. It is very important to keep a regular check on your family/ friends.
I learnt that although I have mood swings sometimes which creates negativity around me, it is important to speak my heart out to my close ones. The burden becomes lighter when you share what’s bothering you with the person who understands you.
I learnt the importance of prioritising my mental health and differentiating the necessary measures to achieve better emotional wellbeing. By doing yoga and exercise not only your body but the mind also gets relaxed which increases your efficiency to perform any task.
I am trying to express here that we need to alleviate the pressure to return our lives before the pandemic because we have all been through such a journey.
I do not want my life to look the same as it did in the year 2020 because I now have a totally different perspective based on my experiences through these times, and that’s not a bad thing.
Here are the following steps that may help you through these times.
Stay connected
We all are social beings who require connections with other individuals to lead fulfilling lives. The pandemic has made things uncertain causing many to feel alone, afraid and anxious. We must find alternative ways, such as phone and video calls, to stay connected to family members, friends and loved ones. We must be aware of our friends and family too.
Ask for help
The importance of reaching out when you feel alienated won’t let you down. While it is natural and common to feel a certain amount of alienation and stress, if these emotions persist, talk to a trusted family member or friend despite your efforts. If you face major problems then contact a mental health professional or doctor. Seeking professional help is very important as it would limit the seriousness of a problem when diagnosed at the right time.
Take care of your body
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day.
Eat healthily and don’t avoid immunity boosters.
Drink plenty of water
Get a good amount of sleep
One must avoid excessive alcohol, tobacco and substance abuse.
One must continue with routine preventive measures such as vaccinations, cancer screenings, etc. as recommended by your healthcare provider.
Learn a new skill
Use this to develop your skillset. You may learn something that will boost your resume or pick up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. This is the right time to engage in productive things and work on yourself. New skills give you new chances. You can move to any other work with your new skills. It gives you a sense of accomplishment.
Never skimp on sleep -it matters more than you think
If you lead a busy life, cutting back on sleep may seem like a smart move. But when it comes to your mental health, getting enough sleep is a necessity, not a luxury. Skipping even a few hours here and there can take a toll on your mood, energy, mental sharpness, and ability to handle stress. One must aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night, it’s often unrealistic to expect sleep to come the moment you lay down and close your eyes. Your brain needs time and rest to unwind at the end of the day. That means taking a break from—TV, phone, tablet, computer—in the two hours before bedtime.
Team Game Guru wishes you very good health, both mentally and physically.
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