The year 2020 has seen the COVID 19 pandemic take over lives of everyone irrespective of age, profession, or location. Health care workers have experienced what seems like the toughest professional phase of their career, having to take care of innumerable patients while risking their own lives. Students and teachers have seen their classrooms confined to their monitor screens. Workers have felt their employment and livelihood hanging by a straw. People with mental health have experienced even more severe social isolation than before.
No matter what stage of life they are in, everyone has been feeling a sense of uncertainty, fear, and confusion. That’s why in 2020, mental health is a topic that has to be talked more openly than even before. At these difficult times, it is important for us to keep our mind healthy.
How do I know I am mentally healthy?
Mentally healthy people have:
Sense of contentment
Zest for living
Flexibility to learn new skills
High self esteem and confidence
Ability to maintain and build relationships
Mental health influences the way you think, feel and behave in your daily life. There could be many factors that could affect your mental health such as biological factors, life experiences or family history. Few of the early warning sign include:
Feeling unusually confused, angry, forgetful, scared or upset
Severe mood swings causing relationship issues
Eating and sleeping too much or too little
Pulling away from people
Inability to perform daily tasks
Smoking, drinking or consuming drugs
If you feel any of the signs as above, it’s important you take a step back and call your day off. Nothing can be as important and urgent as your mental and emotional wellbeing. Doing this can help you destress, get a better grip of your emotions, shift your perspective and relax. Mostly, your body will tell you what it needs, be it a day’s rest or a fun filled activity.
If you need a peaceful day, following things can help:
Yoga class
Massage
Swimming
Walk
Meditation
If you want to have some fun activity, trying some of these will help:
Plan an outing
Try a hobby
Play a game
While you take some time out, make sure you don’t:
Smoke, drink or substance usage
Overthink or drown yourself in negative thoughts
Spend all day on social media
Avoid family and friends
Consume a brain healthy diet –
An unhealthy diet can take a toll on your mood, and switching to a wholesome diet, low in sugar and rich in healthy fats can give you more energy, improve your mood and sleep.
Foods that might affect the mood:
Alcohol
Sugary snacks
Foods high in chemical preservatives
Refined carbohydrates
Fried foods
Food that may boost mood:
Fatty fish rich in omega 3
Fresh fruits
Leafy greens
Nuts and seeds
Beans
World Mental Health Day 2020
With the ongoing crisis across countries, investment on mental health has become a dire need. For the same reason, health organizations have come together and are calling for a massive spike in investments in mental health. The theme ‘Move for mental health: let’s invest’ appeals the world to come together and re-address the neglect of mental health across all nations.
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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