Taking good care of your mental health is always a relevant topic, but even more so in the times such as these. As the world is still fighting the health crisis we faced months ago, it can become extremely demanding to try and live a normal life. During the second wave of COVID-19, facing the challenges we meet can feel even more constraining.
As the year draws to a close, it’s important to remember all that you are thankful for and start making steps toward a mindful life in 2021. It’s a process that takes time but is worth the effort you’ll invest along the way.
Here are the three ways to preserve your mental health during the second wave of the pandemic, keeping your body and mind safe during these unprecedented times.
Normalize your feelings, whatever they may be
With a lot of countries having strict measures prolonged and the end of the pandemic still not in sight, it’s perfectly normal to feel built-up stress coming to get you. It’s not easy to handle the situation calmly and rationally every single day.
There are surely times when you feel frightened, anxious, insecure, and even angry. Not being able to control your life as you used to is frustrating, and we are all the same in that regard.
Allow yourself the right to feel whatever it is that you are feeling without being mad or disappointed in yourself. Trying to shield your loved ones from your negative feelings is a real selfless act, but make sure to leave some room for venting out some of the frustration.
Remember that we are all in this together, so lashing out at the people around you is hardly a solution. Still, sharing your thoughts and fears with people you care about is a vital step in keeping your composure and mental health in check.
Negative feelings are feelings too, and we all have the right to feel them at times like these.
Pick up a creative activity to stimulate your brain
Sometimes, talking about how you feel just isn’t enough. You feel the need to get in control again, and the best way to accomplish this is to have something to do every day that keeps you busy, relaxes you, and stimulates your brain in the process.
Creative activities such as keeping a diary or knitting can help you feel better almost instantly. Working magic with your own hands can feel quite satisfying, allowing you to control the process and create results that are visible and measurable, which can be just what we all need right now.
Don’t pressure yourself to create works of art to be sold or admired by other people. These creative outlets are there just for you, and you should be the one happy to try different things every day.
Try to spend some time outside every day
Not every winter day calls for a nice stroll, but staying active and spending some time in the sun whenever you can is, actually, vital for your physical and mental health. Even if obligations at work keep you busy during the first part of most weekdays, there are still the weekends you can use to get out and get moving.
If you feel like you don’t have a chance to move around as much as you’d like to, consider taking some vitamin C and vitamin D supplements, to help boost your immune system and keep illness at bay as much as possible.
Be patient and kind to yourself as you go through these challenging times. Stay strong: this too shall pass.
About the author:
Charlie Svensson is a fast, engaging freelance essay writer skilled in content writing and blogging. His favorite topics are education, social media, marketing, SEO, motivation blogging, and self-growth. Charlie’s excellent adaptability helps numerous clients reach diverse target audiences.