Why Mental Health?
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, most of us have been through hard times – looking for ways to earn money or new jobs, no outdoor activities, being isolated, and so forth. It has tremendously affected many people’s mental health in negative ways.
When we talk about mental well-being, it’s not just about anxiety, depression, or other mental disorders, but it includes the whole psychological well-being of how you treat yourself and others, also how you manage to deal with your emotions and daily problems.
Stress, anxiety, sadness, and loneliness are the outcomes of this pandemic and how we had lived pre-pandemic. The daily life that we were living was based on our friend’s circles, social activities, traveling, and so on.
After going through such a tough time, we are unable to do things by ourselves. Our emotional health is dependent on outward factors, and hence most of us are facing issues related to mental health.
Although there are other mental disorders that may require professional help and treatment. The ongoing issues need to be addressed by taking the necessary tips and steps that will help in all aspects of your life, including boosting your mood, enhancing productivity, and contributing to your overall happiness.
Tips To Improve Mental Health
So, let’s discuss what you can do to overcome your never-ending thoughts, anxiety, depression, and loneliness:
1) Stay active: When your body is in constant movement, there is no way your mind gets trapped by unnecessary thoughts. It is not only good for your body but also impacts greatly on your brain.
Your body tends to release mood-boosting and stress-relieving chemicals like dopamine and endorphins that act as an antidote to stress, anxiety, and depression. Indoor activities such as cardio exercises, yoga, and dance can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.
2) Avoid alcohol and drugs: A huge number of people were indulging in alcohol and other types of drugs during the lockdown. This is not how you overcome your psychological problems. It only gets addictive and may even worsen your situation.
Smoking can increase your risk of covid infection since smoking affects the lungs, and excessive alcohol consumption can disrupt your coping abilities. So, avoid drinking and smoking, and use that time for a better you instead.
3) Get appropriate sleep: Sleep restores your mind and body. Pay attention to your sleep cycles. Your immune system, brain, and body recharge themselves when you get enough quality sleep.
Sleep deprivation has significant negative effects on your mood. So, make sure to go to sleep at a regular time every day. Without a proper sleep schedule and sleep quality, your body won’t be able to function to its full potential.
4) Stick to a good diet: Eating healthy is one of the best choices you could make to help with your mental health. Pick a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Avoid eating junk food and too much sugar. Limit your intake of caffeine as it can aggravate the symptoms of stress, anxiety, and so on.
5) Limit exposure to news and social media: Learning more about the disease and how it is affecting people worldwide can only increase the fear about it. Avoid using social media too often as it provides more rumors and false information. Instead, you can rely on authentic sources such as WHO and CDC.
6) Engage in activities: Hobbies are a great way for healthy distractions. Staying busy doing what you are interested in makes you more alert, and confident and contributes to a balanced emotional life.
They can get you out of the cycles of repetitive negative thinking that causes anxiety and depression. Activities such as reading a book, writing, cooking, and so forth can help you feel more motivated and productive.
7) Do yoga or home exercises: Using your body to generate stress-relieving chemicals can also work. You can perform some basic yoga poses or do pranayama (breathwork), which helps in boosting your mood by decreasing stress and anxiety.
Cardio exercises not only keep you physically fit and reduce the risks of chronic diseases but also release endorphins in your brain which helps in improving your sleep quality and in turn reducing stress and anxiety.
8) Make priorities: Don’t indulge too much in achieving so many things at the same time while you are at home. Think fairly to set rational goals each day and outline the necessary steps. Take tiny steps every day and don’t forget to appreciate yourself for every action, no matter how small.
Doing this enables you to know what has to be done each day to achieve your desires and eventually cancels out all the unnecessary stress that gets in your way.
9) Get in touch with friends: If you really feel like there is someone you need to talk to, then make virtual connections with your friends via call, text, or email i.e during quarantine, otherwise meet them in person if you and they are fully vaccinated.
10) Relax and take some time off: Most of the time we don’t know how to relax by ourselves, especially during the pandemic because it was all of a sudden. So, set some time aside for yourself and make use of it by focusing on the present.
Even a few minutes of quiet time can be refreshing. It helps in reducing anxiety and thereby promoting peace within you.
Conclusion
If you follow at least some of the mentioned tips above, it would greatly enhance your quality of life, which includes both physical and mental health. Please seek professional care and support if you suspect anything serious. Good Luck!
Related blog: Why is Mental Health Important?