Under Crisis: 6 Tips To Keep Your Mental Wellbeing Intact.
Brigitte
Panic is in the air
With the constant barrage of news every 5 seconds about this coronavirus pandemic. It’s not surprising if the average person is in a state of panic and heightened sense of anxiety. Now add 10x to anyone who suffers from mental illness.
There is also those who are vulnerable due to their age, pre-existing conditions or socioeconomic background. We all will be in need of some form of community although we must practice social distancing. And we will need practical methods to help us to be safe and calm during these trying times. Here are a few tips to help yourself or a loved one who may suffer from mental illness and needs to remain calm.
Actually, I don’t but if you keep getting sucked into the news loop, that’s exactly what is going to happen.
“What you focus on expands. "
Want More Self Care Tips?
These tips will help keep you positively distracted and sane.
1. Limit your consumption of the news.
I can’t stress this enough, even if you don’t turn on the TV there will be other avenues that the updates will come through. Avoid certain topics on social media .Don’t share every update you see or receive. Ask your friends and loved ones to do the same .
“I was told by a friend who had a relative who was constantly sending text messages of the number of cases that were being reported in their city, in real time. Although, her intentions may have been in the right place. It was actually causing more stress to my friend.”
2. Follow the advice of your local officials.
Take the necessary precautions to keep yourself and loved ones safe.Don’t go out to common crowded areas if it’s not necessary. Wash your hands.Take your meds, now is not the time to skip out on them. Eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
3. Engage in activities that were available before all this technology.
Now is the best time to unplug from your tech devices for several hours. We’ve all got those interests we hope to “get to” someday. Since you’ve got some down time now, why not go for it? Research into that particular subject you’ve been curious about. Get back into low-tech activities like reading an actual book,( if you would like to see what’s in my bookshelf click here) journaling, playing board games, put a puzzle together, color or do some sketching, etc.
4. Not A Fan Of Too Much Quiet?
Create a playlist, listen to it in the background , or listen to an audiobook. Watch your favorite movie or get caught up on your favorite shows.
5.Get Your Body Moving
You’ll have plenty of time to squeeze some exercises in, there are plenty of exercises you can do in 20 minutes if it’s been awhile since you worked out. I love the selections available on Amazon Prime, as well as Youtube.
If your someone who is prone to panic attacks like myself, practice some meditations and or breathing exercises. I’ve also found practicing some yoga is quite helpful as well.
6.Get Some Work Done
Do you feel like re-arranging the furniture in a room or two? Maybe you want to paint the walls or organize your closet. Do some light spring cleaning around your place.
If your also part of the group who will have to work from home and it’s all new to you check this out this article.
Conclusion
These are just a few suggestions, you may not need to do all of it. Just take what you feel is best. Also check in from time to time with those who live alone and remember to be kind to yourself and others.