In the past six months, every person around the globe has had to adapt to the changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about. Wearing face masks, temporary unemployment or working from home, limiting travel, and home schooling children.
More importantly: social distancing. As humans, we are social creatures. We live in communities and families because it's in our nature. We seek the company of others because it brings us happiness. We enjoy celebrating with our friends and families. We relish sporting events and dining out. While some people are more social than others, even introverts are social beings.
As states and countries have introduced measures to stop the spread of the virus, more and more people have had to make changes in their daily routines. All of these changes, all at once has left people vulnerable and many of us have found ourselves suffering from changes in our mental health. While our pets may appreciate the extra time we've been spending at home, secluding ourselves is not the best for our mental health. The World Health Organization has come out with some helpful tips that all of us may find helpful during this stressful and uncertain time. Taking care of not only our physical health, but our mental health is monumental.
Listen to advice and recommendations from your national and local authorities and follow trusted news channels for up-to-date news.
Having a normal day-to-day routine helps reduce stress levels.
- Get up and go to bed at similar times every day.
- Keep up with personal hygiene.
- Eat healthy meals at regular times.
- Exercise regularly.
- Allocate time for working and time for resting.
- Make time for doing things you enjoy.
- Social contact is important
Even while social distancing, social contact is important. Keep in regular contact with friends and family by phone and online platforms.
- Limit alcohol and drug use
Limit the amount of alcohol you drink or don’t drink alcohol at all. There is no evidence of any protective effect of drinking alcohol for viral or other infections. In fact, the opposite is true as the harmful use of alcohol is associated with increased risk of infections and worse treatment outcomes.
Try to reduce how much you watch, read or listen to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed.
If you are able to, offer support to people in your community who may need it.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Below are links for helpful resources if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health.
National:
Local:
