For every person around the world, the past two years related to the COVID-19 pandemic have radically changed our ways of living, working and interacting with people around us. Here are 10 measures you can adopt to improve your mental health and live a more positive and fulfilling life.
1) RECOGNIZE THAT MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT
It may be common for people to overlook their mental health and not accord it as much importance as their physical health. But studies have indicated that ignoring mental health can have serious and harmful repercussions on our physical health. Mental health conditions such as depression have been medically found to be directly linked to chronic illnesses. But the good news is that prioritizing and taking care of our mental health can improve our moods, behavior and overall physical health and longevity of life.
2) SET WORK FROM HOME TIMINGS
Working from home is now the new normal. But WFH can blur the lines between the personal and the professional. For a healthy work-life balance, ensure you set practical boundaries to start and conclude work at precise timings. Designating a separate part of your home to work in can also help you mentally separate your work from your home life.
3) CONNECT WITH PEOPLE
In lockdown, we may feel cut off from friends and family. Though we are physically distanced, we are certainly not separated from the people in our lives. We can make use of Zoom or WhatsApp to call, text and video chat with loved ones frequently. You can plan regular phone check ins with friends and family to enjoy your relationships and maybe use this time to reconnect with long-lost friends!
4) PRIORITIZE YOUR HEALTH
Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating fresh and healthy food, and receiving enough physical activity. Staying at home 24 hours a day has made it difficult for people to conduct all their regular daily activities. Creating a daily schedule in your notebook or on your phone can help you get enough sleep, fresh food and exercise to keep your body healthy and active.
5) MANAGE YOUR STRESS
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown and it is easy to understand how stress can get the better of even the strongest of us. By adopting simple activities into your life, you can make sure that the stress of these unprecedented times does not impact your mental health in harmful ways. Incorporate de-stressing activities such as taking deep breaths or short walks into your life to calm your mind and body, and .
6) FIND THINGS YOU ENJOY
There are plenty of hobbies and activities to keep your mind occupied, while staying indoors. Find ones that you enjoy and which will in turn improve your mental health. These can be individual activities or group activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family – virtually! A quick online search will give you a host of enjoyable and productive activities.
7) REACH OUT FOR HELP
It takes a strong person to reach out for help. If you need to talk to someone, seek help from friends, family members or mental health professionals. This can either be done directly or anonymously depending on your comfort level. There are multiple organizations that can support you while ensuring strict confidentiality. If you need help exploring these possibilities, contact Youngistaan Foundation who can connect you with certified mental health professionals.
8) BE PATIENT WITH YOURSELF
The unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown has impacted our personal, academic and professional lives and caused many people difficulties related to COVID-related problems such as illness and death. If you are struggling with the sudden changes brought on by the pandemic, remember that we are all in this together. Be patient with yourself and once again, reach out for help.
9) SET ASIDE YOUR SMARTPHONE FROM TIME TO TIME
The blue light from screens is bad for our eyes and linked to problems like blurry vision, eye-strain and problems sleeping. As our basic communication is taking place online, we are increasingly spending more time on our devices and this may leave us feeling tired and disconnected from people. From time to time, put away your smartphone and take a break from technology.
10) HELP OTHERS
Our volunteers – especially our COVID volunteers – have shared that reaching out to people during these tough times has helped them deal with their own personal challenges related to the pandemic. If you are staying indoors, there are plenty of activities you can do from the comfort of your own home to help other people in need. If you would like to join our team of on-ground or online volunteers, get in touch with Youngistaan Foundation and contribute your skills and interests to make an impact in transforming lives!
This video presents the 10 suggestions detailed above. Click here to watch this video on YouTube and share with others. Take care of yourself.
