With the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns taking a toll on our daily routines, mental well-being has become a major health concern. In India alone, 7.5% of the population is reported to suffer from various forms of mental disorders. The isolation and anxiety caused by the recent spate of lockdowns and bleak news reports only exacerbate the problem.
We have listed the top ten ways to protect your mental health during these trying times.
- Acceptance
Accepting that anxiety is a normal part of life can work wonders for your mental health. Acceptance can help you make realistic assessments and allows you to address the problems effectively.
- Staying Active
Keeping up with an active lifestyle can actually help you process your thoughts more effectively. It benefits you physically as well as focuses your inner thoughts on more pressing matters.
- Distraction
Finding a hobby or something interesting to do can help you relax and pass the hours smoothly. Painting, reading a book or even just listening to your favorite songs can help you find the balance you need in your life.
- Sleep Schedule
Experts have always maintained that a good sleep schedule is paramount for your well-being. This is applicable now, more than ever.
- Manage Media Intake
While news and media updates are an important part of our lives, over-engaging in such activities can only add to stress and initiate depression. Limit your engagement in such activities and you will definitely see changes.
- Fact-checking
Not all news sources are trustworthy. Be sure to consult several media outlets when reading news articles. High-quality information can actually help you take reasonable precautions and avoid unnecessary headaches.
- Stay Connected
Social isolation can aggravate mental issues and is a major health risk. Stay in touch with friends and family and support each other. It helps to share your problems and listen to others as well and can make a huge difference for both the parties.
- Goals
It may be tempting to breeze through these tough times without a plan. Setting daily goals can help you achieve a sense of control and direction and focuses your energy on positive things.
- Natural Light
Time spent outdoors in nature can make a lot of difference for your physical as well as mental health. Try and spend a few hours outside in the greenery or find spots in your home where you can connect with nature.
- Connect With Yourself
Spend time with yourself. Focusing on yourself will help you connect with the inner you and develop greater synergy.
Everyone processes their feelings and thoughts in different ways. Allow yourself to feel it and work with it. We hope our list helps you come out of this pandemic as a stronger person.
