These are challenging times. Even those with otherwise good health are experiencing mental strains during this lockdown. Staying fenced in your house for weeks and with negative online media in abundance an lead to anxiety, depression and other mental issues.
While the severity of individual cases may vary and would require different measures, there’s still a host of things you can do to bring back your tranquility and feel-good mood.
Here are 9 tips to take better care of your mental health during this lockdown:
1. Get off your bed
While it may be comforting, staying in bed all the time can make your symptoms even worse. So, pull up all your energy and get off the bed. Have a proper daily routine that includes the least amount of your day-time in bed.
2. Limit your social media usage
Endlessly scrolling through your social media feed won’t do you much good. Especially if You aren’t consuming anything relevant and helpful. Such content will likely leave you frustrated and even paranoid. So, ration your social media time. If you can, keep off social media for a couple of days.
3. Talk to your family and friends
This is extremely helpful. If you aren’t feeling good mentally, talk to your family members and close friends. Let them know your state. Help them help you. Intimate talk with people you love can have a therapeutic effect.
4. Have a creative outlet
Do you like writing, drawing, cooking, singing or dancing? Pour into a hobby or indoor activities you enjoy as your creative (and emotional) outlet. This will help you de-stress.
5. Start meditation
The seamless benefits of meditation are hidden to no one. If you don’t already do this, this is a great time to start meditation. There are many guided meditation apps out there; some have even reduced their pricing owing to the lockdown to be more accessible for all. Meditate for at least 20 minutes every day.
6. Workout at home
Working out helps the body release several good hormones, including endorphins; the feel-good hormone. Exercise is one of the best ways to improve your mental health. So, take some time out to do freehand exercises in your room.
7. Learn a new skill
There are countless courses online. Many of them are free. Look around and pick whichever interests you. Use this period to learn and improve your skills.
8. Eat healthy foods
This goes without saying. What you eat significantly influences how you feel. So, if you consume unhealthy meals, make necessary changes to it. Some foods are relatively good for mental health like salmon, sardines, walnuts, berries, yogurt, beans, leafy greens, brown rice, and oats. At the same time, you want to cut back on sugar, saturated fats, alcohol, and other unhealthy stuff.
9. Call your community health care clinic
If nothing is helping and you’re constantly feeling low, sad, anxious and hopeless; avoid trying home remedies and reach out to a therapist. Call a community health care clinic and seek help immediately.
Conclusion
As mentioned, a lot depends on the severity of the mental health issue.
If someone has a history of mental illness, this lockdown could be even more trying. In such cases, the above-mentioned 9 tips may not provide the needed relief.
In such situations, it’s recommended to get in touch with a good behavioral health professional immediately.
Google “primary care clinics near me”, find a good clinic, and call them. The professional would provide you counseling and medical help including the prescription of medicine if needed.
Take care of yourself and the people around you.
