MENTAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19 TIMES
“It’s okay to not be okay.” said Naomi Osaka…and went on to tell the time magazine….I do hope that people can relate and understand its O.K. to not be O.K., and it’s O.K”, to talk about it. There are people who can help, and there is usually light at the end of any tunnel. She went on to reveal even “Michael Phelps told me that by speaking up I may have saved a life”. If that’s true, then it was all worth it.
While Simone Biles, the 24-year-old gymnast received widespread praise for bringing attention to mental health, dispelling the stigma that remains around the issue, and highlighting the immense pressure put on elite athletes.
“Mental Health” is defined by the World Health Organization as ‘a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope with the general stress in life, can work productively, fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community’.
It refers to our emotional and psychological well-being, which more often than not, we tend to ignore, least in comparison to our physical health. But, it is important to take care of yourself and
your mental health, especially in today’s trying times when we tend to feel more stressed than usual.
Feeling stressed is understandable in response to the ongoing pandemic. You might be worried about getting infected by the virus, about how your loved ones will cope, about the disruption in your studies, routines, and whether you’ll still have a house, job or money, or even be able to provide for your family like before, affordability etc.
These stressors, along with the constant media hysteria and dealing with disappointment (travel bans, events being cancelled, etc.), add up to crazy times.
With each new wave arising of Covid-19, turning out to be more and more lethal, infecting more people and taking more lives. Besides causing financial and physical issues, it has also affected people mentally, creating panic in their minds.
The uncertainty about their present and future, coupled with government mandates to stay at home, is all exacerbating mental illness. The feeling of being cooped up at home, distant from their loved ones, devoid of social support and fear about new variants is increasing mental illness, according to mental health experts.
As hard as times are, it can be very comforting to know that you’re not alone and that many others share your feelings. A LOT of people are feeling stressed and anxious these days, particularly because of the uncertainty surrounding the situation. Together, these feelings lead to anxiety and stress, while for some, it may even trigger anger.
An important part of being generally fit and completely healthy includes taking care of your mental health. When we face uncertainty about the future, events can feel like they are out of our control. This often triggers negative emotions, such as anger and fear – emotions that we are motivated to try to reduce.
However, when it comes to the COVID-19 crisis, the actions we take to regain a sense of control tend to be the least effective for controlling the virus and our emotions.
While in uncertainty, many people may really have no idea what’s going to happen next, where this is all going to go, if our family or friends might get sick, for how long will we be stuck indoors, will the virus continue to control our lives etc.? It is this area – the uncertainty and the unknown – that really stirs anxiety and fear in people, and can be completely unacceptable for many.
Are you going through any of the feelings mentioned?
Do you wonder how to take care of your psyche?
Below listed are a few lifestyle changes which may help you maintain good mental health.
1. Sleep Well: Sleep is extremely important for both our physical and mental wellness. Without proper sleep schedules, our body can be pretty clumsy and our actions turn out to be sluggish. Good sleep gives rest to our body, mind and soul.
2. Eat & Drink Healthy: Your brain needs a mix of nutrients in order to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. A healthy diet is required in order to maintain good physical health as well as good mental health. Coconut water is a great remedy to treat and prevent depression, headaches as well as migraines as it keeps the body well hydrated and supplies essential electrolytes to it.
Low levels of magnesium in the body can also trigger attacks and coconut water since it is rich in magnesium helps greatly to relieve discomfort caused during stress attacks as well as prevents them. Stress and tension levels can be reduced greatly if the body is refreshed by drinking fresh coconut water. Vitamins present in it triggers serotonin to get released in the body. This hormone is known as mood-boosting hormone which relieves stress as well as tension and creates a pleasurable feeling. Rich magnesium levels also fight signs and symptoms of depression and create stability and mental balance.
3. Practice Uncertainty: Write down how your everyday routines make you feel (before and after doing them). Allowing uncertainty to control our lives can take a toll on us. Let’s take an example of cooking, perhaps the meal turned out pretty bad or you nailed it perhaps. Write down the actual outcome and how did you feel or what did you do to help yourself overcome that feeling?
4. Stay Active: Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and can help you concentrate, sleep, stay healthy and feel better. Exercise keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, and is also a significant benefit towards improving your mental health.
5. Meet People: There is nothing better than staying in touch with people, but that’s not always possible, less so in the middle of a pandemic. But you can always give them a call, drop them a note or chat with them online instead. Keep the lines of communication alive, it’s healthy for you.
6. Get Plenty Of Sunshine: Sunlight is a great natural source of Vitamin D, scientists say it is a great mood elevator. Try catching on that morning sunshine, but don’t forget your sunscreen!
7. Avoid Smoking And Drinking: Both alcohol and tobacco can wreak havoc on your system and make you feel sick. It is best to avoid both if you can, else moderation helps.
8. Do Something You Are Good At: What do you love or enjoy doing? What are the activities that can help you lose yourself in them? What is your favorite hobby? Enjoying doing something for yourself can help beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you are good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem.
9. Take a Break or have a change of scenery: A change of scene or pace is any- day good for your mental health. Be it a five-minute pause from your regular cleaning spree or a half-hour lunch break between work. Just a few minutes can be enough to de-stress. The entire idea is to gift yourself some ‘me time’.
10. Sharing & caring for others: Close relationships are key for a happy life. Doing something for those we love, gives us a sense of satisfaction.
11. Meditate: Breathing exercises and meditation are extremely good for refreshing your minds.
12. Remember, You Are Not Your Thoughts: When you’re feeling anxious, tell yourself it’s a normal part of being human. It’s important to understand that we are not our thoughts. Thought
may wander in us for a whole bunch of reasons. By accepting that they are not facts, thoughts lose most of their effect on us.
13. Seek Help if you need it: Seek professional help without worrying about the stigma attached to it. Asking for help does not mean you are weak but it in fact means that you are strong. It takes a strong mind to accept that we need help. Seeking help from a medical professional goes a long way.