In the midst of the health pandemic gripping the world, you need to remember that your mental health matters also. In fact, it is one area in your life you need to constantly check and improve on. While the focus at present is the medical needs of those contracting the virus as well as those fighting at the frontlines, you have to stay guard and protect your mental health as well.
No one alive has seen anything like this pandemic and that being said, it is safe to say that no one was prepared for it. A lot of those that were hit early were operating on a trial and error basis in trying to contain in. That is the reason why countries hit later on, including the US are able to adopt best practices and stand a better chance in fighting the pandemic. This is important as Washington Post shares that coronavirus is already in all 50 states.
As the medical industry races to find a cure for the virus, you need to make sure that you do your part in helping flatten the curve of infection in the country. That being said, a lot of states are asking their people to shelter in place which can be quite difficult if you are not used to it. This is why your mental health matters because you are going through a tough time and you need to be resilient to overcome it.
If you do not manage your mental health, it will be difficult for you to survive this health crisis. Here are a few things you can do to help you manage your anxiety and stress levels.
Filter the news you consume
Your mental health matters that is why you need to start with what you read and watch in the news regarding current events. All media outlets, as well as social media feed, will revolve around the pandemic caused by the coronavirus. The problem is that the more sensational it is, the more newsworthy it becomes meaning you get to hear a lot of bad news out there.
You cannot blame the media outlets since the pandemic exposes a lot of flaws in almost all sectors of society. From the government to the economy all the way to the medical field. Since news revolves around the negative side of this pandemic, it will be the ones shared in social media as well. As a result, you are bombarded with negativity everywhere you look.
However, you can also choose to look at the bright side of this health crisis. There are several companies finding ways to help and even people recovering from the virus. There are also nations helping other nations which could make you feel good about humanity in general. Filter your feed and choose what you feed your mind. It is not wrong to be updated with the news but do not dwell on the bad side of things.
Talk to family and friends
Your mental health matters that is why you need to find a way to vent out and talk to other people about what you are thinking and going through. For some, writing it down on a notebook or in their computers work but for most, having an actual person to talk to is a big help. The interaction and getting someone to respond to what you are saying helps you process your thoughts as well. The National Alliance on Mental Illness shares that talking about issues in a comfortable space helps.
Since most people are advised to shelter in place, you can start talking to people in your house. It can be your partner or friends through online messaging. The important thing is that you get to carry a conversation with an actual live person rather than an AI on the internet. It is a plus if the person you are talking to really knows you so they can help you through your problems.
Remember also that when you are talking to someone, a conversation is a two-way street. Try to keep an open mind and listen to what the other person is talking about as well. You might learn a thing or two on how you can manage through your anxieties. It might also be a chance for you to help other people who are also going through hard times.
Stick to your budget
Your mental health matters which is the reason why you need to manage your finances well during this pandemic. Financial stress is a real problem a lot of people are going through at the moment. When most of the community are asked to shelter in place, that means your job will have to take a step back for a lot of the working class.
For some, their employers and the company are prepared for instances where their operations are affected. Technology and telecommuting have proven to be valuable tools for operations to continue even for as they try to run a skeletal force. Other people are not so fortunate and have to make do with whatever savings they have until things get better.
Thinking about your health and finances at the same time can be nerve-racking. One thing you can do for now is to make sure you stick to your budget. It would also be a great idea if you can live below your means. This gives you the chance to free up some much-needed funds you can use to purchase essential needs you need at home. Having your finances under control can give you a certain sense of control over it lowering your financial stress which helps improve mental health.
Look for an online side gig
Your mental health matters during these trying times because you need a sound mind to help you weather the storm. As you worry about your finances during these times, it could help if you can identify and take on side hustles when your main source of income is impacted by the pandemic. There are a few options you can look into.
Since there is a good chance that you will be staying at home for an extended period of time, you might want to finally launch that online store you have been thinking of. You can look at a few e-commerce models such as dropshipping where you only have to worry about marketing a product online. Of course, markets are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic so you have to put in a lot of time researching what items will work at the moment.
Online side gigs can also be in the form of teaching other people located in different parts of the world. English as a second language is an increasing need for some people looking for jobs in developed countries. You can also look at your hobbies and check if you can create content for other people to learn from. The bigger your online community, the more ways you can financially benefit from that. It can be being paid through video ads or even selling merchandise to your community.
Find ways to stay healthy at home because your mental health matters
There is no denying the fact that your mental health matters during these times and one way to help you take care of it is to stay healthy. There are proven and published reports that correlate a good amount of exercise releases endorphins in your body. This helps trigger that positive feeling in your body and can help improve your mood.
There are a number of exercises you do at home to help you get a good workout in. You can even start with body weights where you do not need a lot of equipment, to begin with. Eating right is also a good addition to keeping healthy. As they say, you cannot exercise your way out of a bad diet so choose the food you eat as well
With all that is happening in the country, it is important to remember that your mental health matters and that you need to take steps to protect it. While you take steps to ensure that you are as safe as possible from the virus, make sure you also do the same for your mental health.
