Infectious disease and outbreak like Covid-19 is turning things upside down. It plunges the world into uncertainty, while the constant updates on the pandemic make people feel relentless. People live in constant anxiety about contracting the virus, even after sanitizing hands and disinfecting things. Similarly, staying at home and not being able to continue life normally is causing emotional distress.
Simultaneously, isolation and working remotely are taking a massive toll on people’s mental health, especially those with weak coping mechanisms. Thus, the virus is making individuals suffer from physical illnesses, drowning them in stress and depression while increasing anxiety and frustration. Since Covid-19 has put the whole world on hold, companies are laying off workers, increasing financial pressure.
Therefore, securing yourself from contracting the virus is essential, but identifying ways to manage mental health is also crucial. After all, in the 21st century, we are leaving all social stigmas relating to mental health behind. So, how can you shield your mental health during these baffling times? Here we are unveiling some effective methods to maintain mental health during COVID-19.
1. REACH OUT FOR COUNSELING
The extraordinary impact of coronavirus is undeniable. Every day people hear about someone getting infected by viruses and someone losing their life. People handle situations differently; some can tackle the situation with their healthy mindsets, while for others, the fear turns into anxiety. Honestly, there is nothing wrong with seeking help, especially when it can make you feel better.
Counseling is a lot more than talking therapy. Counselors have the knack of tools and techniques to pull people out of mental health issues. Besides, if you also have a healthy mindset, then don’t mind stepping ahead in this field to make a difference in people’s life. Consume this time to get a master’s degree in counseling online and start rescuing people from mental challenges.
2. TAKE A BREAK FROM NEWS
Unfortunately, everything these days revolves around Covid-19. You would hear news channels discussing the cases of different countries, how many got infected, how many people died, and a lot more. After a certain point, all this becomes upsetting than informational. Amid this pandemic, consider taking a break from the news.
Similarly, don’t hesitate to unfollow the new channels from your social media accounts. It will divert your attention to other important things happening in the world and some entertaining stuff. Once you stop reading and watching upsetting things, you will automatically feel better. As far as staying informed is concerned, stick to the reputable news channels and authentic sources like WHO, closing doors for misinformation.
3. VIRTUALLY CONNECT WITH FRIENDS & FAMILY
One of the most excellent ways to ease the risk of contracting the virus is by maintaining a social distance. Thus, it is stamping out all get-togethers, parties, and casual meetups with friends. In these times of crisis, people seek connection and support from their friends and family members to deal with anxiety. Although you can’t travel, social media is the ideal way to connect with your current and long-lost friends.
Nowadays, everyone is chilling at home, making it the best time to connect since no one busy. Instead of calling everyone, enjoy a group video chat together to rejoice like old times. Believe it or not, but chatting with friends will make you feel comfortable, reminding that you are not alone in these crucial times.
4. FIND A DISTRACTION
Can you do something about the global pandemic? When people are vulnerable, they can handle the situation in two ways. Either keep procrastinating about it or do something which is in your hands. Think when the last time you got such a long vacation was? Even though you are at home, but millions of opportunities are waiting to welcome you. If you can’t think of any distractions, have a look below.
A. Enroll yourself in online courses to keep up with the upcoming competition. You can either take a course within your field or explore other options and career opportunities.
B. Attend webinars to get familiar with industrial experts and what are their expectations from the youth.
C. For the times you don’t feel being productive, entertain yourself with movies and enrich your mind by reading some books. Otherwise, bring out the chef inside you and try new recipes.
D. If you like being creative, you can learn a handful of tools, from graphic designing, photoshop, to creating amazing infographics.
All these incredible distractions will help you forget about the pandemic for time-being, allowing you to find a balance in everyday life.
5. ENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
We have weeks of and months of lockdown ahead, making it crucial to have downtime and stay active. Indeed, pushing yourself to go for a walk or exercise can be super challenging, but lying on the bed all day can impact the functionality of your body. Take out 10 to 15 minutes, open YouTube, access a beginner’s exercise video and kick off with your workout.
Exercises release endorphins – the happy hormones, helping you cope with emotional stress. For those days, when you don’t like getting up, hit up your friends, and have a workout session together virtually. Moreover, workout in your garden or balcony to continue access to sunlight and nature. Otherwise, don’t mind going for an early morning jog – giving you a break from home, while ensuring physical activity.
6. STAY POSITIVE
Amidst all the negativity, chaos, and projections, it is quite easy to lose hope. Remind yourself that nothing stays forever, and this situation is temporary. Hence, adopt a positive attitude towards life and the people around you. Keep faith in a better future, and appreciate those in your lives. After all, this is what brings us together in the time of darkness. Pamper yourself and celebrate small accomplishments since all these things can make one happy. Undoubtfully, staying positive builds a healthy mindset, combating stress, anxiety, and depression, as it teaches you to see the world’s brighter side.
FINAL THOUGHTS,
Rumors and procrastination can fuel anxiety and this what most people are doing these days. Thus, stop assuming things and jumping into conclusions. If you cannot handle the stress, seek help from counselors; bring your life back to normalcy. If you keep ignoring these things, it can result in severe mental injuries. Take your mental health seriously and look above to manage it accordingly.
