More than a year ago, the World Health Organization declared the pandemic due to the new coronavirus. A very difficult reality was imposed on us overnight, and although feelings of empathy and solidarity grew stronger, as physical distancing restrictions were prolonged, anxiety, fear and stress also took over.
The coming of vaccines has given us an air of hope that the disease will end soon, and life will return to normal. However, in times of uncertainty and so many restrictions, in the long run the impacts of the pandemic on mental health can be expected such as mourning, increased depression, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol and drug abuse, among other psychological problems.
7 tips for taking care of mental health during and post-pandemic
Given this impact, it is important to evaluate ways to preserve mental health during and post the pandemic. We have listed 7 tips for you to already start practicing:
Avoid reading too much news
Staying informed is very important. However, consuming excessive bad news directly impacts our health, as such habit can trigger sadness, anxiety and stress. So if you can, protect your mind: avoid reading so much negative news.
Maintain a balanced diet
Taking care of the body is also taking care of the mind! Eating healthy helps to decrease symptoms of anxiety, discouragement and depression. Prioritize a balanced diet, and try to include nutrients that help in the proper functioning of the brain, such as iron, vitamin D, and B-complex vitamins.
Do physical exercises
Whether it’s walking, swimming, dancing, bodybuilding, jumping rope… be sure to practice physical activity, because the more we move our body, the healthier you will be. 30 minutes of exercise a day is enough to contribute to the production of hormones and neurotransmitters of well-being.
Take time for yourself
Don’t fill your days with only mandatory activities! If possible, book from 30 minutes to 1 hour a day in your calendar to do something you like: read a book, watch a movie or a series, cook, listen to music, meditate, dance, etc. The important thing is to find a pleasurable activity for you to go out of automatic mode and to be able to relax.
Strengthen bonds
In times of social distancing, technology is an important ally for cultivating our bonds. Whether by message, phone call or video calls, chatting with friends or family helps alleviate bad feelings.
Sleep well
Having quality sleep is one of the essential pillars to keep the body and mind healthy. Therefore, try to sleep the recommended amount for an adult (7 to 8 hours a day), for this, turn off electronic devices 1 hour before bedtime, avoid caffeine consumption and exercise at night.
If needed, seek professional help
Last but not least. If you are having difficulty dealing with your emotions, do not hesitate to seek professional mental health help. Now that telemedicine and virtual care have come to stay, you can find a specialist without leaving home.
EMERGE is passionate about facilitating the productiveness and efficiency of service in the healthcare industry. We aim to bring satisfaction to all our clients, whether it is making hospitals and clinics more prepared for accepting patients and cutting their operational costs, or saving patients’ time by avoiding frustrating waiting lines.