The pandemic is spreading swiftly across the globe, leaving multiple grim stories. For instance, the news of increasing infection rate or the death toll has a huge psycho-social impact.
Moreover, with sanitizers and mask becoming essential commodities and news and social media focusing on COVID-19, the virus has come to occupy the deepest corners of our minds. For many, staying indoors may be a stressful task, especially for those already with a mental disorder.
Well, don’t worry, you are not alone, we are all together in this fight. The good news is, there are many things you can do to protect your mental health. Here are some tips that can be helpful:
Dos and Don’ts During Covid-19
Here are some tips by The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences to maintain your mental health during COVID-19.
Don’ts
Putting strain on your mind not only makes you tired but also makes you sick, be mentally healthy. Try limiting exposure to news.
Psychotherapists, all over the world, are recommending to limit the exposure to COVID-19 news and divert to all pages and accounts that would uplift your mood. Your brain has a problem-solving ability. If you are afraid of a certain thing, your mind focuses on stimuli that are in line with your feeling. It deletes everything that is not in line with your emotions and feelings. So, watching the news will only reinforce anxiety and fear.
Additionally,
Do not follow social media posts or social media posts which may impact your mental state
Do not spread or share any false news or information further
Do not keep discussing all the time about who got sick and how
Do not shun or judge people with a COVID-19 infection
Dos
Mental health is preserved wealth. Try the following to improve your mental health:
Follow A Routine: Curating a plan will help you and your family to be at ease. It is essential to create a routine. Stick to your shift timings and create a to-do-list every day. Follow the same schedule as you used to do before this pandemic. Lastly, it is crucial to focus on things that you can control and take action to address.
Trust Only Reliable Sources of Information: It is not uncommon to come across rumours during such a phase. Certain rumours can instil fear and anxiety. So, trust data and information only from reliable and legitimate sources, such as the World Health Organization (WHO). Furthermore, it is essential to focus on news that concerns your community.
Stay connected: Social distancing can make you feel lonely. To overcome this, you can find ways to be connected with your relatives, friends, and co-workers. Explore ways of connecting, such as video chat or social media. Sharing your feeling or playing a game online can help you feel connected.
Additionally,
Be busy. Have a regular schedule.
Eat well and drink plenty of fluids.
Do simple indoor exercises that will keep you fit and feeling fit
Older adults may feel confused, lost, and need help. Offer them support by getting them what they need, their medicines and daily needs.
If you have children at home, keep them busy by allowing them to help in the household chores.
Final Thoughts!
With these simple tips, you can take care of your mental health during this COVID-19 pandemic. Limit exposure to news, be connected with your loved ones and take breaks while you work.
Let’s learn to talk about mental health and take a step forward as a society.
Disclaimer: Indian Health Bureau does not claim any responsibility for the information contained in this article. The information may not hold good for everyone. The post is for general awareness only and should not be construed as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Please consult your doctor to know what is good for you.
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