Since most of us stay at home and watch the news regarding covid19, how many people are affected, casualty and all different theories of conspiration and so on hourly, it’s important to remember that taking care of our mental health is as important as looking after our physical health. Good mental health and positive wellbeing can help us better adapt to the COVID-19 threat and the uncertainty it’s creating.
1. Avoid fake news:
Look for precise pieces of information with a legitimate source. Avoid those posts on Facebook/Twitter etc, and rely on the right channels like BBC NEWS or CNN as well as World health organisation updates.
2. Avoid information overload and think more clearly:
Avoid watching news 24h regarding covid19. Constant monitoring of social media/news can lead you to feelings of worry and distress. Manage your timetable during the day and do not follow covid19 updates for more than an hour (There won’t be a sudden fact that you would miss).
3. Look after yourself:
Indeed, we are all sitting at home and avoiding meeting friends or family but that does not mean we shouldn’t take care of ourselves. when you wake up to make your bed as that would be the first task you accomplish which gives you joy.
Brush your teeth/hair, shave, have a good meal, write the daily routine of how you can be productive. Take a walk, little exercise (when you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body) or meditate.
4. Try to think positive:
It is normal to feel overwhelmed, stressed, anxious or upset, due to the wide range of other emotional reactions, in the current situation. It`s good to be honest with yourself, face your feelings and ask can I do anything about it? Focus on those things that we can control(like looking after ourselves or communicating online with family or friends).
Look at the bright side of it, finally, you have time to do all those things that normally because of work you couldn`t. We are all lucky to face pandemics at this time while we can have the internet and communicate with our loved ones. Imagine how would you face it if we were living in 1918 during Spanish influenza. Always look at the positive part of the story.
5. Help others who may need you:
Helping others is not only good for them and a good thing to do, but it also makes you happier and healthier too. Probably if you know someone in your family, besides friends or even a neighbour who seems to be stressed due to this situation, ask them if they want to have a chat over the phone or video call, listen to their stress points and give them hope. If you have a senior neighbour you can help with grocery shopping. Remember helping others can be as simple as a single kind word, smile or a thoughtful gesture.
Hope my article is helpful for you!
#positivemindset #drvoss
Dr. Voss
Instagram: @dr.voss
Website: Dr. Voss