HANDLING THE MENTAL EFFECT OF THE COVID-19 ISOLATION
The covid-19 pandemic has rendered the whole world under isolation, repressing all social activities. This has caused such an uproar in the world economy, business and trades.
The isolation affects not just our daily social activities but it takes a toe on our mental health. And I find it rather disturbing that governments of the world have failed to recognize this hazard.
This doesn’t come as a surprise given the lack of awareness and intuition when it comes to the topic of mental health, but the reality is, it affects us all.
As important has it is in creating awareness on the stay safe protocols, there should also be self-care protocols.
Needless to say, a lot of families are spending their days at home and trying to stay healthy also involves us keeping our mental health in check.
Here are self-care protocols in managing your mental health during this coronavirus self-isolation.
1. Exercise your body
The human body tends to reset it’s self within the first 5 days of sudden change. And if you are like me who likes to lay down, watch movies, eat, and sleep and repeat, then you’re in need of a body workout. An over-relaxed body especially when there is food available will lead to increase in body weight. Trust me you wouldn’t want to be obsess. It’s not healthy. Plus, exercise has proven not only to repair the body structure, but also release toxic energy and regenerate new ones. It also purifies the mind, when you focus your mind on reshaping your physical body, you’re indirectly refocusing that energy on your mind, in process, voiding it of unhealthy thoughts. Take for example yoga, not commonly practiced but has proven effective to those who commit 100% to it.
2. Challenge your self to new routines everyday
Sticking to a singular routine is monotonous, in other words boring! And to keep a healthy mind you wouldn’t want to engage in a routine exercise that literally kills your vibes. This is simple, set a daily routine for yourself, the next one different from the last. It could be workout routine; watching a Netflix movie; go cycling, organizing picnic with your family or friends; learning how to drive or cook; writing a new book; clearing out old stuff. You can create a list to monitor your activities. If you don’t end up completing one, that’s not a problem- just give it an interval and complete it another day.
3. Engage in creative activities
Consider this as an opportunity to unleash your Picasso or De Vinci. It doesn’t have to be art alone. It could be knitting, tie and dye, bead making or even trying new cooking recipes. Anything that is creative in nature.
4. Read new books
Reading books help us walk through time and back from the authors eyes and it’s always amazing. You lose yourself in it’s art. Plus it’s an opportunity to dive into the adventures of Harry Porter or the divergent series. If you are one who loves books on self-development; The monk who sold his Ferrari; Becoming or the Subtle Act of not giving a f*ck; The 7 habits of highly effective people will pretty much do just good. Will share other amazing books in my next post.
5. Learn something new.
There is no other best time to add a new knowledge than now. It could be anything, learning how to dance, cook, sow, design, paint. Watch YouTube videos on what you love to learn or engage in online classes via learning sites such as Udemy, Coursera, EDX, etc. This goes a long way.
6. Take frequent walks; do not seat in a particular position for too long
The isolation will mostly keep us fixated either on our very comforting couch, bed or work table, regardless, this is unhealthy. Spending time outside the room helps reduce the risk of high blood pressure, relives stress and strengthens the immune system. The therapeutic effect of this is immerse. It allows you to breathe in clean air, learn about your surroundings, open your thoughts and put a smile on your face. This best works with a soothing music via your device and ear plugs.
7. Solve crimes
I have always been a fan of the series, Sherlock Holmes. This is for the crime junkies among us. There are vast podcast, documentaries which allows you solve new mysteries. You can engage in this with friends to make it more interesting. Check
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/g27009615/best-true-crime-podcasts/
8. Check up on friends and family
No excuse not to check and connect with our loved ones. Social interaction is linked to forms of creating happiness and keeping in contact with friends is a sign we are not alone during this period of isolation. We should bare everyone in mind. A call or text goes a long way in making someone’s day.
As we get further and further into isolation, maintaining your mental health is important. Meditation, and the practice of mindfulness, helps alleviate stress, anxiety and depression. Mindfulness is about staying in the present moment, without thinking about the past or what’s to come.
I hope you find these activities enjoyable.
