Well, it is true that lockdown is an effective Coronavirus prevention measure, taken by many countries suffering from Covid-19. However, we cannot ignore its effect on the mental health of many whose nature of job involves interaction with people on a daily basis. Though I agree that saving lives is more important maintaining mental health, the purpose of this post is to help our readers understand their mental health, handle boredom effectively and combat the bad effects of Covid-19 lockdown successfully.
Mental Health
Approximately 10% people in the world suffer from various kinds of mental health issues. These mental health issues include anxiety, depression, eating disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use, alcohol related issues and more. The disorder get aggravated by uncertainties arising due to situations like pandemic such as Covid-19, loss of job, relationship matters and various other factors depending on the immediate environment of the person. In the current scenario we’ll focus only on mental issues arising out of coronavirus lockdown, isolation or quarantine period.
Flattening Coronavirus Curve-Rising Mental Health Issues
Reports from Australia confirm that they have been able to flatten the coronavirus curve, but experts believe that a serious and longer curve is waiting to be visible in the form of psychological or mental health issues that have already started in a major chuck of population who followed lockdown guidelines or stayed in isolation or quarantine. As the effect is not visible immediately, we may overlook it but the day is not far when its effect will be noticeable and reported in its scary form. We must be ready to face another challenge of bringing back normalcy in the lives of those who seem to be fine but are deeply affected at mental level.
Mental Health In Lockdown-5 Quick Tips
Sound sleep
It goes without saying that sound sleep is highly important not just for relaxing properly but for overall mental and physical health. In fact, you can manage many of your stress and anxiety related issues just by maintaining good sleep hygiene and sleeping for at least 8 hours a day. Read more about how to handle lack of sleep.
share your Issues with someone
Sharing your issues with someone you can trust: Well I must say that you cannot confide in anyone or everyone, you must ensure that you develop strong bonding with a few friends or relatives that you can trust. This doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to develop good relationship and build trust. Discuss your health or other issues with someone you trust and lighten your mental burden. This will help you a lot.
Live in present, let bygone be gone
This is self-explanatory. Do not ponder over past events you cannot do anything about. However, if there are things you learnt from your past mistakes, then make sure that you don’t repeat them. The idea is to look at the positive side of everything. Simply thinking about unpleasant past events or imaginary negative future issues will worsen your mental health. Avoid negative thinking, learn it if you don’t know how look at the brighter side of life.
Do not watch Coronavirus update all day
No point in keeping yourself updated on the latest Covid-19 figures, unless it is your job requirement. This will do you more harm than good. Focus on doing something positive. Try many free online tutorials and courses.
Digital Detoxification
Stay away from electronic devices for one day every week if possible or every 15 day at least. You’ll notice the difference the first day itself. In fact, I use this technique even during normal days, not just during lockdown. It work wonders for me.
Feeling Unproductive During Lockdown?
For some, working in pyjamas is like a dream coming true. Reports say that they are more productive during lockdown than they are working from office. However, I must say that their percentage is low. A majority of people working in pyjamas all day, feel less productive than they usually are on any other typical office day. They also feel unwell, which effects their mental health.
What is the solution? It is simple. Get dressed in something that make you feel great and comfy from inside or simply wear formal dress to feel as if you were working from office. There is no harm in it. In fact, it will improve your overall mood and well-being that will help you be more productive. Your inner feeling reflects on your face, and you can feel it by making this change. Try working in formal dress instead of in pyjamas, and feel more productive.
Feeling Irritable During Lockdown?
Well, I agree that we can justify being irritable due to being inside the home all day, but this is something we can control. Lockdown is for everyone, you are not alone. How you handle it or use it to your advantage depends on your skills. If you feel irritated quite often, then I’d suggest the tried and tested method of counting backwards. It really works.
You can also try any other distracting activity like listening to music if you like music or keeping yourself busy in learning something new. The trick is to set a goal and work towards achieving that. This seems to be simple but requires some practice. Write down your goal and make sure that you stick to it. You’ll notice that you are less irritable.
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