How To Stay Mentally Healthy During A Pandemic?

November 7, 2020

There are many ways and reasons the coronavirus pandemic may take a toll on your mental health. We are all going through tough times. The amount of stress that we are battling is too much to handle.

From paying bills to the fear of getting infected with the virus. Life has become challenging to deal with.

Since the kids are at home as well as the parents have to work for home too. This has made it almost impossible for parents to carry out their office routine at home. Our sleep schedules have been messed up as well as there is no way of going to the office for work. We don’t have to sit in a chair straight for hours. Therefore we always find ourselves lying in bed or on the couch, snacking.

Not being able to go out is another thing; all the snacking has left us with bulgy tummies. Which stresses us out further and, if not controlled on time, can result in depression.

Luckily, there are things you can do to improve your mental health now, even if you’re social distancing.

Sleep

Sleep is an essential part of your routine. It is the energizing component. Without sleep, a human body or mind can not function properly. 7-9 hours of sleep is highly recommended for an adult human being.

Try following the same sleep routine every day. For example, if you go to bed at 10 pm one day, repeat the same routine the next day. Follow this routine religiously, and you will start noticing differences in your mental health.

Sleep is the only time when your body is repairing the images that have been done to it—for example, healing wounds or skin breakouts.

Ever heard “sleep is where I am at peace”? It is true. When you sleep, your tension is relieved.

Exercise

When you exercise, our brain releases a chemical called endorphins. Your body releases the chemical whenever it is happy.

Try incorporating exercise into your daily life routine. Furthermore, if you are among those who go to the gym in the evening after completing all your daily tasks, then don’t. Going to the gym later in the day can cause exhaustion, which can result in frustration and anger. That will have a harmful effect on your mental health.

Exercise should be the first thing you do when you wake. Working out clears your mind, hence a stress-free day. Exercise gives you instant relief from stress for the time being. But if you start exercising daily, you will be safe from the risk of getting depression and other health problems such as heart attack, obesity, and high blood pressure.

Furthermore, since working out daily causes you to shed those extra pounds, you naturally start to feel more confident. I mean, who wouldn’t with a perfectly fit body?

Another positive thing about exercise is that you don’t need to step outside of the house. It’s an inexpensive activity that can be carried out anywhere. Can’t go to the gym? No problem, just start in your room. Also, don’t worry if you don’t know how to exercise. You do not need to be an instructor in order to exercise. There are plenty of apps and online videos available on the internet that can show you how to do what. Furthermore, exercise can be in the form of a brisk walk, jog, or even dance. It’s all about just sweating that fat and stress.

Also, if you have money to spare, instructors online are offering their services online. You can always hire one.

Maintain Social Connections

Yes, because of the virus, we are ordered to maintain a social distance. It is for the betterment of everyone that everyone stays away from each other. However, it is not a requirement when we are talking about social media.

Since we can’t see our friends in person, we need to maintain a connection through calls and messages. Social distancing does not mean staying away from people altogether.

Therefore, schedule a video call or an audio call right now and share all that gossip you have been wanting to.

Cut Back On Caffeine

We unknowingly consume too much caffeine as we carry on without the day. Drinking too much caffeine can cause anxiety.

When talking about caffeine, the only thing that comes to our mind is “coffee.” That is not true at all. Coffee is not the only product that contains caffeine. There are things that we may consume in our daily lives without knowing that it contains caffeine. Below is the list of consumables that contain caffeine:

Tea
Chocolate
Energy drinks
Guarana berries
Guayusa
Yaupon holly

Excessive consumption of caffeine can not only make you anxious but it can also meddle with your concentration and can cause pimples. Now, who likes pimples? Not having clear skin also messes with your confidence levels and may cause stress.

Seek Help If You Need It

Suffering from depression or anxiety is normal in times like this. Do not be afraid of talking to your friends or the family when you feel the need. True, opening up can be challenging, but you can not give in to your depression or anxiety, risking your life.

However, if you feel like you can not open up to people you know, there is always the option of therapy. Because you can not see a psychologist in person, you can always book a session online. Try one session, and if you feel like it’s helpful, go for more.

Write It Down

If you can not open up to any human being at all, keep a journal. Fill the journal with your thoughts. A journal won’t judge you and won’t talk back. Don’t be afraid of being yourself when writing down in your diary. Don’t be afraid of hurtful comments or not needing advice. Consider your journal, your best friend, who is going to be a good listener.

Fill the pages with your creativity and let your brain live a little by the lifting of extra burden.

Natural Supplements and Herbs

We always have the option of taking anti-depressions. However, it’s not a very good idea since anti-depressions come with numerous side effects. Therefore the consumption of prescribed medication is always discouraged. Not to worry, as there are many herbs and natural supplements available to help your mind stay healthy.

Lavender

Lavender has stress-relieving properties, can also relieve pain, and can also help with relieving insomnia.

It can be consumed orally, or the effects can be enjoyed through other methods such as :

Lavender essential oil can be added to a hot bath
can be applied to the body directly
Lavender oil can be put in a diffuser
can be sprayed in the room or on the pillow when sleeping

Kratom

Kratom is the most loved natural supplement that we can think of. It is a miracle herb that comes with many magical curing abilities. True, it can cure many problems but is kratom for anxiety? Of course, it is. It’s users all around the world recommend kratom for anxiety. There are many strains of kratom; however, the best one for anxiety is the white one. Kratom can be enjoyed through various methods such as: