The invasion of Corona Virus into our world has upturned almost everything and this has no doubt adversely affected our mental and emotional well being.
Mental Health is critical to general well-being, as there is no complete health without mental health. Mental health refers to your overall psychological well-being; it includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. However, many people do not pay close enough attention to their mental health forgetting that it influences how we think, feel and act daily in life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress and overcome challenges, especially the kinds we have in the world right now.
The world has always been tough, but the coming of the COVID-19 pandemic took things up a notch. This development has therefore necessitated the need to ensure that our mental health is taken care of.
Consequently, we have come up with a few ways to help you improve your mental health, regardless of what you see on the news or social media.
Keep social connections alive. Social distancing does not necessarily mean social excommunication.
Social distance is part of the new world order, which means you cannot just go and hang out with friends and family like its business as usual, because it is not. However, we live in times where everything is very high tech, and virtual relationships and communication is the new normal. The virtual company of others will help you function optimally. It can also help improve your mental and emotional health.
Before now, we believed that humans are social creatures and as such not meant to survive in isolation, but we beg to differ, because one thing that is akin to humans is the ability to adapt, survive and even thrive. In the words of renowned Life Coach & Psychologist, Lanre Olusola no man is an island, no man can achieve anything by himself, you need people (and they are there for you virtually). Engage in video calls; participate in virtual fun games, or funny challenges on social media. The little laughs they provide can go a long way to make your life brighter and more colourful.
Keep stress level in check
Even working from home comes with its own stress and stress takes a heavy toll on mental and emotional well being, which is why it is best to be deliberate about your stress levels. It’s almost not possible to avoid stress as a result of daily activities and the times we live in, but some common stress management strategies could help you get things to balance, for example, watching a comedy skit or movie, listening to an uplifting song, etc can make all the difference.
Also, listening to a podcast can be quite soothing. Taking an emotional intelligence class can also help you greatly to deal with stress.
Eat brain healthy foods
You may or may not know this, but what you eat or don’t eat affects the way you think and feel. An unhealthy diet can take a toll your brain, disrupt your sleep and mood, sap your energy and tweak your immune system.
A diet low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, can give you more energy, improve your sleep and mood, and help you to look and feel your best.
Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep also makes a huge positive difference on your mental health. Be careful not to put yourself under pressure when you hear some “motivational speakers” say that “you’re a loser if you come out of this lockdown without a new skill or new degree” or that “rich people don’t sleep etc, sleep is a necessity and not luxury.
Skipping even a few hours here and there can take a toll on your mood, energy, mental sharpness, creativity and ability to handle stress. And over the long-term, chronic sleep loss can wreak havoc on your physical, emotional and mental health. Use this time at home to sleep well, heal, recuperate and rejuvenate.
Seek professional help
If you try all of the above mentioned steps, and you still do not feel better, then consider seeking for professional help. You can see a mental health coach, psychotherapist etc and let them help you work to be better, also know that you can do this without having to leave your house.
The truth is, you can get better and live a normal life when you seek professional help and get to the root of things. Poor mental health, depression, stress and other challenges emotional challeneges are like physical health issues too. Do proper research and be sure to see someone who is certified and experienced to help you.