Learning How To Cope With Your Mental Health During A Global Pandemic
Coping with mental health troubles is a challenge at the best of times. The world has only started to realize the damaging effects of poor mental health in the last few years. It's a silent killer, ravaging people's lives and causing all kinds of physical health problems along the way. As such, it's crucial to find coping solutions that help you get control of your mental health. Nobody is immune to feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or depression - particularly during a global pandemic.
Some of you may have lost jobs during 2020, or even worse, lost loved ones. You may have been apart from your family for far too long, forced into isolation away from your friends as well. All of this has a huge toll on your mental health, and it's easy to give in to the negative feelings. Instead, you should look for some strategies to help you cope with your mental health during these awful times.
Find your inner peace
This sounds very spiritual, but it's simply a case of making yourself as relaxed and peaceful as possible. We've all got a place inside ourselves where we feel at ease and free from harm. The key to handling your mental health problems is locating this feeling of inner peace whenever you feel down. Obviously, maintaining peace in difficult times isn't easy - this is why you constantly feel so down! Still, you can try to find your inner peace by meditating or practising slow breathing exercises. Deep breathing will slow your heart rate and get your body into a naturally relaxed state. When your heart rate is down, your brain starts firing signals to release more calming and relaxing hormones. In essence, you're no longer on high alert, and you've found your inner peace.
Stay physically active
While you may be concerned about your mental health, addressing your physical health can be a solution. The two are closely intertwined, and many studies will back this up. Without going into too much detail, the gist is that physical activity is beneficial for your mental health. Again, it helps to release hormones in your body, only these ones are mood boosters. This means they make you feel happier and accomplished - and the visual/physical changes you see in yourself will add to this! Make it your mission to be active every day for at least 30 minutes. You can do a workout, go for a walk, cycle - it's up to you!
Be social and talk to others
Lastly, be as social as possible when you're struggling through this pandemic. Talking to people is one of the most effective ways of dealing with any problems. Even if you don't speak about the issues, the simple act of speaking to another human will make you feel good. The beauty of social media and the internet is that you can find online communities to talk to and become a part of. You may speak to others in a similar position to you, which helps deal with your issues as there's empathy from them. The worst thing is to lock yourself in a room and close yourself off from everyone else. This won't help, it will only make things worse.
If you're struggling with your mental health during the pandemic, these ideas should offer some solutions. It's all about learning how to stand up to and cope with your mental health problems!
