These days we are all stressed, worried, overwhelmed because so many changes are happening. These changes are going to determine a new beginning in our lives. And our mental health is going to play a crucial role in determining the path that our lives will take.
We cannot prevent the market from crashing or stop some governments from making the wrong decisions for their people, and we definitely cannot avoid the quarantine as it seems to be the most effective measure to stop this pandemic.
What can we do to protect our mental health?
What we can do is take one hundred percent responsibility for our health and well-being.
We can’t put a mask or disposable gloves on our minds to protect them from all the negative influences of social media, collective panic and the reality of the facts, because it’s true that there is a dangerous situation and people are getting sick and dying.
Decide who you want to be in this situation.
That’s why we need to decide which side we are going to be in this situation.
There will be people who will get depressed and will be so scared that they’ll freeze, and they simply won’t let their lives flow.
It’s alright! We are all human, and in an extreme situation like this, it is entirely reasonable to feel this way. But this cannot go on forever!
At some point, we have to stop all these negatives thoughts and start controlling our minds and doing things to make us feel better because there are going to be a few people growing and becoming more reliable. They will give a big push to all the projects of their lives, and we want to be on that side.
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We must ask ourselves what can we learn from this situation, what can we do to make the most of it?
Today I want to talk to you as a friend because I’ve been afraid, I have thought that all my projects were collapsing at this time, and I have felt anxiety and depression in the face of uncertainty. But doing every day a little bit of these things, I have been able to redirect my life positively.
Five Strategies to protect our mental health
# 1 Smile!!!
Smile, even if you are not feeling like doing it! Go every morning in front of the mirror, look deep in your eyes, and give yourself a big smile! When we smile, just the gesture itself sends a signal to the brain that everything is fine. Smiling is a very effective anti-stress mechanism.
The scientific explanation is that when we smile, a series of very beneficial substances release in our bodies. Some of these substances, such as endorphins, improve mood and decrease stress-related hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline.
Do things that make you laugh! Watch a funny series. Watch pets or babies videos, a comedy, create opportunities in your daily routine to laugh because this will relieve you and make you feel better.
# 2 Being thankful protects and improves your mental health
Gratitude is one of the forces that move this world! I know that the moment is awkward, but I’m sure many beautiful things give you a reason to celebrate.
What are you grateful for in this life?
Do you feel grateful because you have a body that allows you to express yourself and interact in your environment? Maybe because you know how to read and write, and thank your professors for giving you such precious knowledge. It could be because you have family and friends, and after all, they are healthy and doing well. Maybe you feel grateful for having a roof to protect yourself and food.
I’m grateful for so many things in my life! My parents, the beautiful country where I’m living, the kiss that my husband gave me in the morning.
Believe me, if you focus on what you don’t have, you will always feel miserable and frustrated. Some times I like to write down why I’m grateful. I fill a notebook page with the things that I appreciate. It’s magic! Even if I’m feeling terrible, this will change my mood and makes me realize how lucky I am right now!
# 3 Meditation is great to keep our mental health!
Some people refuse to meditate because they find it difficult. They ask: How is that of leaving your mind blank and wiping out all your worries? Meditating is not about avoiding thinking. It is about becoming aware of our thoughts and being able to change them for our benefit. It helps you listen to your body, get to know yourself better, see how you react to stressful situations, and control your mind.
The unstoppable self conversations in our minds.
Our mind is always automatically giving opinions about everything and alerting you to all the possible dangers that exist around you.
Sometimes we are not aware of this, but our mind never stops thinking.
To give you an idea: You are in a beautiful place, having a lovely afternoon with your boyfriend or girlfriend, and there is a sunset worthy of a million dollars. Still, you are thinking about the bunch of dirty clothes that you should wash during the weekend or in the Amazon package that you ordered a month ago and haven’t yet arrived. And life goes on like this, always concerned about the future and never mindful living in the present.
This way of living is entirely self-destructive and tedious.
What happens when we meditate that helps our mental health.
While meditating, you let your thoughts come and go, like clouds, you don’t repress them. You become aware of them and switch your attention to your breathing. It can feel uncomfortable like all the new things we try, but if you keep practicing, you will see significant benefits in the long term.
There is an application called Headspace that I’ve been using for around two years. This app has a free course of 10 meditations, where you learn the basics. After that course, if you want to continue unlocking the differents reflections they have, it does cost money. But there are also other free resources that you can use as all the good meditations on Youtube.
# 4 Working out is a fantastic way to prevent mental illness!
Mental health and physical health are connected. I know there are days when we need just to sleep or spend hours in bed, hugging our pillow under the blankets, watching Netflix but please, don’t do this every day. Your body needs to move!
If you are in quarantine with your family, encourage them to exercise with you. Just look for something fun you enjoy doing. Sometimes, I do hula hoop while watching Youtube videos, and it’s an excellent way to get distracted and exercise at the same time.
You can dance or take a walk outside and that way you catch the sunlight, which is also essential! Decrease sun exposure can lead to a drop in the serotonin levels, which can lead to significant depression.
Working out will help you sleep better, which will drop your stress levels significantly. Even just moderate exercise can improve depression and anxiety.
It will improve your mood, and you will start feeling better about yourself.
# 5 Connect with your loved ones
At these moments, our family and friends must know that we think of them and that it’s our greatest wish that they are safe and take care of themselves. Keeping in touch with them will provide an essential source of much-needed support and guidance in these difficult times.
Have fun! Choose activities you can all share and enjoy together, such as online games. Maybe if you are in quarantine with your family, you can plan to have diner together. If you are not, you can use video call apps and talk. Share your feelings with them. Asking for advice and discussing issues with your loved ones can help you process your emotions better.
Sometimes, for lack of time or because we are very busy with our lives, we let time goes without connecting with our loved ones. Now we have that time to let them know that we care about them. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow. Leave behind all the resentments, the fights, the wrong actions, and all the problems that are affecting your relationship with them. Forgive because this will release you from a significant weight.
Resume
These five small actions have helped me a lot. Since this crisis began, I’ve understood that this is a time to grow in other areas of my life that I’d neglected. I also ask myself every day what I can learn from all this. What I’m sure of is that I’m more reliable and more resilient as a result of this situation. I know that after this, there will be other problems in my life (because life is a cycle of challenges and good moments), and I’ll be better prepared to face them after this quarantine.
I hope you take action and start feeling better. Know that your mental health depends on you and the decisions you make now.
You are not alone! Remember that all of humanity is fighting this battle next to you. Get inspired by other people who have come through in times of crisis.
Tell me if you have any other ideas.
