Just when we thought that the pandemic is coming to an end, the new strain has boosted the number of COVID-19 cases. And if things keep deteriorating, the world might witness another lockdown. In such hard times, managing your mental health can be challenging.
Most people often overlook the importance of mental health in such situations. No one knows when the pandemic will end, and things will return to normal. In such uncertain times, staying in a positive state of mind is critical.
Here’s how you can keep your mental health in check during the pandemic.
Don’t Watch too Much News
Waking up to the reports of rising coronavirus cases and fatalities can be more depressing than informational. First and foremost, verify your information sources, and avoid those who sensationalize the news. Second, limit your news consumption. It’s okay to read the newspaper in the morning or watch the news on TV for a few minutes. But constantly consuming news and content regarding the wrath of COVID-19 can take a toll on your mental health.
Take a break from such content and give your mind some room to breathe. Read your favorite book, watch your favorite TV show, or do anything that makes you feel happy.
Don’t Ignore Your Health
Several countries are facing the second and third waves of COVID-19 and are enforcing strict lockdowns once again. Many companies generalized remote work in 2020, and chances are that you might already be working from home.
While not having to go out and commuting daily may seem peaceful, it can also be unhealthy. Your body won’t get enough exercise, leading to obesity, cramps, etc. Moreover, working from home means you have to spend hours sitting on the chair in the same position. This can cause severe back pain.
Be sure to take care of your body. If there isn’t a lockdown in your city, start going to the gym. If there’s a lockdown, work out at home. You can do yoga, calisthenics, and various other forms of exercises to keep yourself fit and healthy.
Prepare for Low Social Contact
If you’re an introvert, a lockdown situation may not seem too bad. But if you’re an extrovert who’s used to being around people, suddenly isolating yourself can be challenging. It’s important to prepare yourself for such a situation.
Thanks to technology, you can stay connected with your friends and family members. Have regular calls with people in your circle, check up on them, and communicate that you’re there for them.
Manage Your Stress
In these hard times, getting stressed out is only normal. But there are some ways you can proactively manage your stress threshold.
Firstly, and most importantly, get enough sleep. When you’re at home, you may be tempted to watch another episode of Stranger Things before going to sleep. But since you have to work the next day, you can’t sleep till late. This can affect your sleep, a major reason to be stressed.
Another cause of stress can be an unhygienic diet. Consuming too much processed food, sugar, or alcohol can increase inflammation in your body and increase stress. It’s okay to have occasional cheat days, but in general, stick to a healthy diet.
Exercising can also help reduce stress levels. When you exercise, you release cortisol, which increases cortisol levels in the short term and enables your body to manage those levels in the long run.
Develop and Stick to a Routine
The worst mistake you can make during this coronavirus period is not having a routine. One day, you go to sleep at 2 am and wake up at 11 am. The next day you take a bath at 1 pm; the day after, you don’t bathe at all. One day, you work without having breakfast, and the next day, you work and eat at the same time.
The result? It’ll impact not only your work but also your life. You won’t be able to finish work on time and will end up working till late. When you work till late, you won’t get enough time for yourself, which will make you frustrated and stressed out.
The solution to all these hassles is to have a routine. You don’t have to adhere to a strict routine, but set timings for the following actions:
- Waking up
- Breakfast
- Starting work
- Lunch
- Ending work
- Dinner
- Sleep
When working, don’t forget to take breaks. Don’t work long hours at a stretch, as it can reduce your productivity levels.
Practice Compassion
You’re not the only one having a hard time during this pandemic. There are numerous other people who might be in a worse situation than you are. Thus, be compassionate and helpful to others. If someone reaches out to you for help, try helping them out if possible. If someone is in need of a friend or a helping hand, be present and offer whatever you can.
Final Thoughts
When COVID-19 first came into existence, everyone knew that it was here to stay. As the pandemic continues to disrupt mankind, staying mentally healthy is the key to surviving and thriving in these hard times.
