Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health During the Lockdown

The coronavirus seems to have brought the world to a halt. As of June 22, 2020, around 13,700 people hadlost their lives to the virus in India alone, according to data provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. But the pandemic is not only affecting the physical health of people, it is impacting mental health as well.

Apart from the fear on being infected by the disease, the lockdown has taken a major toll on the economic side of things as well.  Many have lost their jobs and businesses aren’t doing that great because of the pandemic. In fact, there has been a 20% increase in the number of mental health issues during the pandemic, according to a study by the Indian Psychiatry Society.

But many are not very aware of how to take care of mental health. If you too are wondering the same thing, here are some useful tips for you.

1.   Stay Connected

Having emotional connections is extremely important for our mental health. It gives us a sense of belongingness and love. But the lockdown has made it difficult to go out and meet people. This is where you can take advantage of technology. You can call or even have a video conference with your friends and family. Even regular text messages can make a great difference.

2.   Take Care of Your Physical Health

One of the ways to take care of mental health is by ensuring your physical well-being. To stay healthy during the lockdown, try to eat a well-balanced and healthy diet. Having a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein can help boost your immunity. Another important thing is to reduce the intake of alcohol and drugs. Alcohol effects not just your liver, but the nervous systems as well.Its sustained use can make you more susceptible to anxiety and depression.

Also, exercising daily can be great for mental health. Physical activity can reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression. It can also give a boost to cognitive functioning and self-esteem. With gyms closed, you can perform body weight movements such as push-ups, squats and dips, at home. You can also go for a run or hike. But avoid going to places that are crowded.

3. Monitor Your Media Intake

It is important to know what’s going on around you. But constantly watching the news or reading articles on social media can lead to stress and anxiety. It is a good idea to limit the number of times you check for information and news. Plus, only get information from only reliable sources, such as the WHO or government portals. You can also install the ArogyaSetu app, which has plenty of information and the latest statistics about coronavirus.

4.   Seek Professional Health

If you are unable to figure out how to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally, then you should consider taking the help from a medical professional. During the pandemic, you can get therapy sessions over video conferencing from the comfort of your home.

Apart from these, sticking to a routine can be beneficial for your mental health. This brings a sense of stability and flow to your life. You should know how to take care of mental health not just for yourself, but for your family too