HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH DURING THIS PANDEMIC

Hi friend 😊. Hope you are doing great (especially in this not so great period)? And hope you've being keeping safe and staying healthy?

I know staying at home is hard for many of us and while it's safe to say, don't spend your time being idle, take online courses and so on, it's importanter (there's no word like that o 😁) but it's more important to take care of your mental state. 

Many of us are not used to being indoors for hours except of course at night when it's time to take the day's rest, not to talk of days unending. And sincerely we don't know when this will come to an end. Some of us are already thinking "how will I manage? My savings is fast depleting!!!" And one particular question that keeps lingering "will I get paid during this lockdown?" Especially for those of us in the private sector.

The news flying around doesn't make it any easier; especially with the increase in active cases and mortality globally. But in all of these, you need to take care of your mental health to avoid depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders and other mental and emotional illnesses. 

Some ways to take good care of yourself include: 

• Take a break from the screen. And by this, I mean your phone, TV and just about any gadget that will keep reminding or informing you of the increasing numbers (and seeing this can be very upsetting). Take breaks from social media too. Set the number of times you check news update daily and get information on how to protect yourself and loved ones from verified sources. Control the COVID 19 content you listen to, read or watch.

• Reach out to people. This cannot be overemphasized. Some people are used to keeping to themselves but this is not the best time for this especially when you are emotionally down. Talk to friends, family members and loved ones about how you are feeling. It's okay to feel sad - the reality on ground is not a happy one - but don't keep it bottled up. Check up on others too. Talk about your worries and the things you are doing to cope. This can help them too.

• Take care of your body. Eat healthy and balanced meals, exercise regularly, drink enough water and get a good sleep. Staying at home can mean opening the fridge a million times😉 but hey, try to keep it closed. Exercise about 3 - 4 times a week, eat right and sleep well. A good night rest increases the chance of handling your emotions effectively while regular exercise reduces your risk of being depressed due to the chemicals - dopamine and serotonin - produced.

• Spend time in prayer and meditation. We draw strength when we commune with God and meditation helps to increase calmness, improves psychological balance and enhance well being. To make this happen,

- Get a quiet location with little or no distraction

- Assume a comfortable pose (sitting, lying down, etc.)

- Focus (on a word, bible verse, object, etc.)

- And RELAX!!!

• Listen to music and inspirational talks. And I don't mean the "gbas gbos" kinda music but soft inspirational music. But (another but) if the former makes you feel better, then do well to indulge yourself.

• Find a hobby that keeps you occupied and makes you happy. Engage in activities you enjoy - games, reading, cooking and so on. 

• Create a daily routine. You are always indoors now, so try to make the best of it by creating positive routines that involves meaningful activities. You can write a daily or weekly plan that involves reading, checking up on friends and family, cleaning, cooking, exercises, taking online courses, learning a new skill, etc.

And if you can, spend some time outside while maintaining social distance and other precautions. Enjoy the sunshine and the greenery that we used to take for granted. If you can't get outside, you can spend time by the window and enjoy the sunlight.

On a final note, while trying to protect yourself from depression and thoughts of money, this is the time to think post-COVID. 

It is the perfect time to look for side gigs that will always bring in money - what some of us know as side hustle, passive income, pp, just about any name you can call it since it's not your regular job or main stream of income. And if you feel doing any form of business is not for you - that you are a 9-5 person - all well and good but it's time to up your money game when this is over; more savings and investments. It's time to be intentional about money matters. 

As for me, I'm only dishing to you what I served myself - these pieces of advice.

Let us know how you've been coping during this pandemic. We stand to learn a thing or two.

Love. Light. Laughter. 💜

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