If you are looking for some motivation and information about how to manage your mental health then do not look any further. You are in the right place. You may be stuck alone or with your near or dear ones, it’s okay to feel and be lonely. A pandemic is certainly the right time to be with yourself more, learn about you more, and accept yourself the way you are.
We know that the thought of being perfect is mind wrenching but we all have that thought sometimes. As we all know that perfection is a social construct nothing more. There is no such thing as absolute perfection. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, but taking care of yourself is an important thing.
So come on let’s dive into the few points that may help you to keep your life together in this pandemic!
- Have a routine: Try to have a schedule of the day. This helps you to have a productive day. We all know that staying at home and working comes with a lot of challenges, the comfort of bed calls us every time we decide to focus on something. Taking rest is also equally important but planning your day gives a deadline to your chores. You can keep a small planner or diary with you and write down what you want to do that day in the morning or the night before. Prioritize your work and listen to your heart and see what it wants to do, then you don’t have to force yourself to do it.
- Get outside and be with nature: I know that it might be a little difficult since we have a lockdown, but you can start small with going to your closest park or gardening in your backyard or just having a small plant with you. I have read somewhere that talking to plants and showing them affection helps in their growth. You can try this and get back to us.
- Declutter your home: This is the best time to re-organize your home or your room and donate the stuff you do not need. There are a lot of people who are in a need of them now more than ever. As our life goes on we collect and keep stuff, some for their memories, some for their style, and some just because our loved ones gave it to us. I think we should remember to give away the stuff we no longer need or give us the joy of any kind. This is the joy you might feel when your crush talks to you or you read your favourite old book after ages. I feel if it doesn’t give you joy it’s not worth it.
- Meditate, or just breathe: You must have read the importance of meditation and may even have tried a few different types of the same but still does not feel balanced. Do not fear, it’s okay. If you find it difficult to meditate that’s fine, you can take deep breaths whenever you find yourself in a negative situation. Breathing 10-15 times from your left nostril can help to reduce your heartbeat.
- Practice gratitude: Every day try to write at least one line of what are you grateful for? It might be a little difficult at the beginning but think of all the small things that made you happy. Doing this every day reminds you that even in the midst of pandemic things can work out for you. It helps you in staying positive.
- Let yourself off the hook: Nowadays on social media, we see that someone has started a new course or learned a new skill or started cooking gourmet food at home. I can agree that watching all this does make us feel intimidated and overwhelmed. We start thinking that we are not being productive enough to achieve what we thought we would. I am here to tell you that it is okay to feel this way, don’t be hard on yourself. Take small steps and start with small goals.
- Minimize screen time: Watching Netflix or other entertainment channels looks like the easiest thing to do but won’t help you in the long run. You are just procrastinating on your chores and it will be difficult to manage when the deadline hits. Make sure you assign yourself time to watch your favourite show and realm but also work at a preferable pace.
- Limit alcohol and cigarette consumption: We all know the harmful effects of alcohol and cigarettes on our bodies and our environment. If you have been thinking about quitting, there is no better time than this. Focus on your health, have a healthy diet plan, and workout for 15-30 minutes. This will help your body to be flexible and will avoid a lot of health issues.
- Reach out to a therapist or helpline: If you feel that you require help, do not hesitate in asking for help. There are a lot of good therapists and helpline services available virtually. You can find out and be connected to them. Sometimes talking about what bothers you helps a lot. Being in isolation does not mean we have to be isolated.
- Keep in touch with friends/family: Times like this are hard for every one of us. Make sure to check up on your near and dear ones, they might need you to be there for them or you might need someone to talk to. Just because you far away do not mean you can’t be there for each other. Talk to them, listen to them empathetically. Refrain from any judgment.
- Practice effective sleep, oral and physical hygiene: Good sleep and hygiene help us to have good health and wellbeing. Sleeping 7-8 hours at night and waking up early and at the same time daily will contribute to having a productive day. The first thing you should do after waking up in the morning is to make your bed. It makes your mind think that things around you are not messy and you can be productive. Brushing twice a day and bathing daily will make you feel fresh. Not bathing one day may seem like a small thing but it can be contagious. Bathing regularly cleanses your body and helps you feel fresh and active.
Have you tried any of these? How was your experience? Do write to us. If there are any other things that helped you, please share it with us. We will appreciate all your valuable suggestions.
About the Author: Hi, I’m Anushka, and I’m a writer and a Student. I am 21 years old and I’m passionate about arts and creativity. I love to spend my time reading, painting and gardening.