The world is changing around us everyday. With such drastic changes, comes challenges to adjust and maintain a healthy mental state. Mental health is defined as our psychological, emotional and social well-being. We are seven months into a global pandemic that has forced us to stay home and limit our human interactions. Many people are struggling to adapt to the new normal; our post covid-19 lives. We are now reaching the point where, if you were okay before, it is now weighing heavily on you. Here are a few things that you can do to promote psychological strength during these trying times:
Get some sleep/maintain healthy sleeping habits!
If you’ve been at home since the beginning of the pandemic, you’re probably having difficulties distinguishing your Mondays from your Saturdays or mornings from night. Without physically leaving your home to go to work, or to socialize, it's difficult to keep track of the days or time. As a result, sleep patterns are surely suffering. Lack of sleep directly affects our moods and productivity. When we are well rested, our mind and body reap the benefits, which results in us feeling better. Be sure to get a good night's sleep in order to give yourself the best possible ?
Try yoga !
Yoga is known for its stress relieving abilities. Studies have confirmed that yoga can reduce anxiety and depression levels. Other benefits of yoga include flexibility, balance and physical health. Yoga calms the body as well as improves mental clarity. Oftentimes, anxiety and depression is the result of internalizing emotions. It is not uncommon to cry during or after a yoga session. Some poses are known to release tension in the body sometimes causing a release of stored emotions that may manifest through tears.
Quiet your mind & meditate!
Drop your shoulders, breathe. How did that feel? Meditation helps clear the mind, leads to better decision making, and alleviates stress. There are many different forms, such as mindfulness, spiritual, focused, movement, mantra, and transcendental. Meditation promotes self-awareness and assists with achieving a healthy perspective on life. Meditation will help your overall mood improve while teaching you to focus on the present, self-discipline and a positive outlook on life.
Exercise!
Exercise leads to emotional stability and reduced anxiety. In the conversation of the effects of exercise on mental health, aerobic exercises such as cycling or running are always mentioned. However, strength training such as lifting weights have also proven to exhibit surprising results in reducing depressive symptoms.The benefits are the same regardless of whether you workout two times a week or five. So start slow & know that it will still make a difference.