Author - karenwood

MENTAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19

You may be feeling cabin fever yourself, especially if you’re an extrovert. You might be feeling irritable and restless from living in isolation in the same space for such a prolonged period of time, whether you are alone or with others. This is totally normal!!

Here are some tip to help you make the most of our current situation and reduce anxiety and depression:

-Get in and out of bed at a regular time.

Lavender, vanilla and chamomile are helpful essential oils to assist in relaxing and shutting down the chatter of the mind before sleep. Stay away from your phone and laptop one hour prior to bed, as these electronics emit light that does not allow your brain to create the melatonin you need to fall asleep. When you wake up, spend 5-10 minutes stretching. Reach for your toes, reach for the sky, do some twists and stretch you hips by sliding your hand down the side of each leg slowly and stop and stay there for 30 seconds. Your body will thank you.

-Stay mentally, socially and physically active.

Ylang Ylang, Grapefruit and Wintergreen are great to give you a little boost, help your focus and all without coffee. Feel free to have a cup in the am if your doctor permits. If you are stuck at home, make it a habit to get up every 30 minutes and do something. Ten jumping jacks, stretch, ten squats. Feel free to do twenty if you’re up to it! Now is the time to do some crossword puzzles or an app that is a puzzle of some sort. There is a time for Netflix and there a time to exercise your brain. Also, during TV time, documentaries are great for keeping the learning going!

Stay in touch with people who keep you feeling supported and positive and support them.

Phone calls, Facetime, social distancing one on one get togethers can all help you keep your sanity.

-Nutrition
It’s important to focus on maintaining a healthy weight with a balanced diet. Holding too much body fat in certain areas increases the chances for and risks of heart disease and diabetes.

Getting groceries may be difficult for many seniors and others who are at risk right now, but friends and family can help. An online delivery service like Instacart can safely deliver groceries to your door.

In addition, some charity programs offer delivery services for groceries or takeout meals. Many stores are offering dedicated senior and first responder shopping hours.

-Hobbies and activities
Gardening, art and crafts, worship services, and hobbies can be vital to maintaining mental and emotional health.

While social activities must be limited right now, many religious organizations and social groups are moving to online participation models, which can help you maintain a sense of community support.

 

Worries about physical health, increased isolation from social distancing and stay-at-home orders, and financial struggles all impact mental health during this trying time.

When these factors are considered together, it makes sense that both adults and children may feel increasingly anxious or depressed.

Lack of routine and structure can create issues such as remembering to eat, take your medications, or sleep.

The toll on mental health quickly trickles down to physical health if it is not managed.

Fortunately, there are many ways to get support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taking care of your mental health is as important as caring for your physical health.

Make sure that all your physical, mental, and emotional needs are met every day. Try to create structure on a written schedule. Set your alarm to wake up the same time every morning. Engage in activities that bring you joy,and try to get some form of physical activity every day, even if it’s stretching ten minutes a day.

 Don’t be afraid to reach out for help when you need it.

 

Start caring about the earth and all its creatures.

Start believing in a Creator.

Because next time I may come back even stronger….

Signed,

Coronavirus

Written by: Vivienne R Reich

RESOURCES

https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath

http://www.theasian.asia/archives/107999

#SuicideAwareness
1-800-273-8255 (USA)
1-833-456-4566 (CAN)

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