Emeka Nweze
The COVID-19 pandemic is definitely an anxious and uncertain time. Everyone is stuck indoors, worried about survival and a future which no one is sure of its existence. Asides from the physical discomfort like hunger, the pandemic has also taking a mental toll on several people. An estimated one-in-ten people in the world who live with a mental health disorder and for these ones, coronavirus is giving them the worst.
The truth is just about anyone can be affected, hence, it is important to look after your mind in these unprecedented times, and below are seven tips to help you do that.
1. Keep your mind active
There are a lot ways to do this, but reading, writing, playing games, doing puzzles like crosswords, sudokus, jigsaws etc can help. There is no main way to keep your mind active, just find what works for you and do it.
2. Avoid too much information
News about coronavirus has dominated everywhere, from TV to smartphones, and quite rightly so. However, overloading your mind with constant news about death tolls and the other impacts of the virus can cause panic and anxiety. So look at other things, like memes, comedy skits or binge on a quality series from Netflix.
3. Find a new hobby
If you have always loved being outside with friends and just generally being active, the lockdown most definitely will affect you. But instead of worrying about not being able to do what you love, try finding and loving something else you can do indoors. Log on to YouTube and learn something new and easy to keep your mind busy.
4. Avoid overthinking
The pandemic has brought with it a lot of uncertainty, and the idea of not knowing what will happen next is terrifying, hence worry sets in. But the idea is to live for and in the now as the virus has shown that your plans for the future are not guaranteed. So, let the future worry about itself, meditate and focus on what happens now.
5. Exercise
Exercise has been known to improve mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood which is quite rampant at the moment. More so, you do not have to go outside or to a gym to exercise, there are a lot of workout videos and routines online for you choose from. So choose what works best for you and keep your body and mind active.
6. Have a daily routine
Planning your day and setting small goals either for the day or week gives you a sense of purpose and a reason to get off bed every morning. Include in your routine both new and old activities like cleaning, cooking or learning a new skill.
7. Keep in touch with friends and family
Not everyone is currently with their family, while others just miss the company of their friends. Well thanks to technology, communication is no longer difficult. Put a phone or video call through to your loved ones, talk as much as you want, tell jokes, laugh out loud and just be happy.
