A Guide to Mental Health Management During COVID-19

We’re going through a really tough time right now.

As news continues to pile up regarding updates on the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s been the topic of every online and offline platform around the world. The crisis doesn’t only affect the world in general, but also impacts each and every one of us, even to those who are able to stay safe and not get infected until now. Stress and anxiety are some of the most common mental health challenges that individuals and communities experience during this kind of situation. 

The mental health effects of COVID-19 are as essential to address as are the physical health effects, and in some way interconnected as well. There is a variety to this - there are some who already have mental health issues, and some who are at risk of developing them during this tough time which brings up the great need to take measures and address them as much as possible.

Here are recommended ways to help reduce stress and be able to take care of your mental kingdom, as stated by experts.

What happens when you lose mind control?

Letting stress and anxiety take over your mind during an infectious disease outbreak can impact in many ways. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these include:

• Fear and worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones.
• Changes in sleep or eating patterns.
• Difficulty sleeping or concentrating.
• Worsening of chronic health problems.
• Worsening of mental health conditions.
• Increased use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.

Taking care of your body

While the main issue here is on the mental side of things, it is also connected to your physical condition so the body shouldn’t be ignored. Specifically going through a disease outbreak requires a lot of care for the human body.

Exercise. Don’t forget to do some simple exercises that you can do at home like some simple stretching sessions to keep your body active. Maintain a regular exercising schedule for consistency.

Eat healthy, well-balanced meals. Healthy eating has always been essential to our lives, but more important during times when we have to make sure we’re in good shape to fight disease. Always opt for healthy eating plans and make sure you are getting the right nutrients to strengthen your immune system. 

Take appropriate health supplements. To maximize healthy living measures, it is also recommended to take the right supplements to achieve your health goals. Our health shop contains a various range of anti-aging supplements that cater to various parts of the body such as brain health, vision improvement, skincare, weight management, cellular health, and immune system boost. 

Avoid smoking and drinking habits. 

Taking a break

We understand the need to be informed and updated with all that’s happening in such a time, but there needs to be a sense of control as well so you don’t get drowned in the overload of information. Give yourself a time to drop and turn-off those devices so you can bask in relaxation.

Acknowledge that getting too much information in your head can also add to your anxiety. Manage and avoid worsening the situation by making sure you’re catching up on the news on specific times of the day only. Mental health associations recommend creating a news consumption routine that takes place once or twice a day only. Misinformation adds to your stress as well so avoid fake news, making sure you’re getting information from trusted sources only such as WHO and local health authorities.

It’s also a good idea to unwind and focus on activities that you can enjoy at home and there are a lot of these, such as this list of 100 things to do while in quarantine. You don’t have to always think about COVID-19 and have it controlling your mind every moment of the day as it can add to your anxiety.

Keeping in touch

Staying connected is important especially in a time of self-isolation or social distancing. Check on your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors via phone or social media. Have an exchange of concerns and how you are currently feeling. Keeping in touch not only gives you quality time to spend with people you care about but to also help them ease the overwhelming feeling. 

Breathe, breathe, breathe!

Calm is the ultimate weapon. It is normal for us to feel concerned and afraid of situations like this, but recognize that it can lead to worse scenarios such as mental health issues, which adds to the pile that we’re already dealing with right now. Don’t forget to find yourself back to breathe and remain calm. Scientists, governments, nations, and sectors are working together to find a solution to this as much as they could. It makes us feel helpless, but if we focus on what we have control of by taking care of our body, our thoughts, and the people we are with at home, we can get through this together. Stay safe!