With the spread of the epidemic COVID-19, we can simply say that everything stopped. Life stopped. From our normal strolls in the streets to meeting up friends in schools or Thanawya Amma droos—everything just stopped, and we are asked to stay home to keep our bodies and physical health well to stop the spreading of the epidemic. But what about our mental health? What about the constant stress of fearing whether you’ll make it or not? Here are 5 ways you can maintain a healthy mentality with!
1) Talk About Your Feelings.
Talking to a loved person or even a stranger on the internet, as cliché as it sounds, is a way of keeping a good mentality. It isn’t a weakness; it’s a part of you being responsible enough to take care of your wellbeing. Letting out all the emotions or talking about what is troubling you is the first step to find the solution. At first you might feel that it’s awkward sitting down with a loved one and talking about your problems, but I promise you, you’d feel the best afterwards.
2) Maintaining A Healthy Diet
Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well, just like the other organs in your body. A diet that’s good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. Here’s an example of what a healthy diet should contain:
- Lots of different types of fruit and vegetables
- Wholegrain cereals or bread
- Nuts and seeds
- Dairy products
- Oily fish
- Plenty of water.
Please Note: this list may not apply if your doctor or dietician have given you specific dietary advice.
3) Stay Active
Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem and help you concentrate, sleep, and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your other vital organs healthy, but in the current circumstances, going to the gym isn’t advised; stay safe please. A simple workout or a stretch or even yoga, done in your lovely living room with your mat, is enough!
4) Do Something You are Good At
What do you love doing? What activities can you lose yourself in? What did you love doing in the past? Enjoying yourself can help beat stress. Doing an activity you enjoy probably means you’re good at it, and achieving something boosts your self-esteem. You can draw, paint, write, dance or even sing. You can bake your favorite cookies or even knit yourself a new beanie!
5) Ask For Help
Asking for help is not weakness . None of us are superhuman. We all sometimes get tired or overwhelmed by how we feel or when things don’t go as planned. If things are getting too much for you and you feel you can’t cope, ask for help. Your family or friends may be able to offer practical help or a listening ear. Local services are there to help you.
Last but not least, I’d love to tell you, “This too shall pass.” Whatever you are passing through will end and it’ll be added to your experiences. Every tear you shed, every silent scream you screamed in your pillow, and every fisted clenched at gatherings when you felt extremely down, all of those are building you and helping you become who you are. I offer my arms and my ears to everyone who wants to rant to a stranger. You can contact me on instagram: @naglaalykhalifapriv
With all my love.
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