7 Mental Healthcare Tips to Follow During COVID

Table of Content:

1. Limit Your Exposure To The News​
2. Keep Yourself Physically Fit
3. Use Technology To Socialise And Reconnect
4. Make A To-Do List
5. Relax Your Body And Mind With Meditation
6. Be Mindful While Using Social Media
7. Seek Medical Help When You Need

As per the Union Health Ministry's data, India has reported 3,095 new COVID cases as of March 31, 2023. Out of which, 1390 people have recovered from the virus. If we look back, it is safe to say that COVID-19 had an economic impact on everyone, and people were impacted mentally too.  

Did you know UNICEF conducted a survey during the pandemic that revealed only 41% of young people in India felt it was good to seek help for mental health problems? This number was compared to numbers from 21 other countries, and the number was quite low. Even a report released by Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister for Health & Family Welfare of India, on October 5th, 2021, revealed children and youngsters in India could feel the effects of COVID on mental health. This is an alarming number and worrying data to look at.

Now that the cases are arising again, it is time to understand what you can do so that this does not affect your mental health again. Here are seven tips that will help you heal your mental health at home during the COVID wave. Go on and read further if you would like to know more!

Limit Your Exposure To The News

Stay informed about the spread of Covid-19 in your area, but constantly checking the news can be a bit overwhelming. It can be extremely upsetting, and watching the news can give you anxiety. 

Set a schedule to watch movies you like or have always wanted to watch before. Rewatch any old movies or TV shows that put you in a good mood. The most crucial thing to remember here is not to overload yourself with information. Give yourself a break and try uplifting your mood by binge-watching shows of your choice. 

Also Read: COVID-19 - and its impact on real estate.

Keep Yourself Physically Fit

Your mental health also depends on your physical fitness. Being physically fit enhances your concentration and boosts your mood. So, it is crucial that you maintain good physical health to safeguard your mental health. Here is everything you can try to keep yourself physically fit:

• Exercise regularly

• Take your meals on time

• Eat healthy meals

• Get enough sleep

• Avoid junk food and alcohol as much as possible

Keeping yourself physically active can be an outlet for venting your frustrations and will improve your cardiovascular health. It is important to keep yourself mentally healthy because it can put you at risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma.  

Use Technology To Socialise And Reconnect

Social distancing has changed everyone’s way of living entirely. While social isolation or staying home can be peaceful, it can often turn out to be boring. You may lose touch with your old friends, but that was never the motive behind social isolation. You can call your friends and speak to them, or you can use technology to reconnect with them. Try using apps like Skype, Zoom, Google Meet, or Whatsapp to stay connected with your friends and extended family. 

It will give you an opportunity to socialize with your friends and family while ensuring your safety. One of the positive impacts of socializing is that it is good for your brain’s health and promotes a sense of belongingness in everyone around you. It can lighten up your mood and make you feel happier instantly. 

Make A To-Do List

At times, your anxiety may make you forget the things you like to do. Make a to-do list of things you love and plan them. Make adjustments as per your current guidelines. For example, if you like playing cricket with your friends, COVID cannot allow you to do that. You can join your friends for a walk in the park, but just remember to practice social distancing. 

A to-do list is a tool that can provide structure, decrease anxiety, and give you a record of everything you accomplish in a day. It can surely dampen a lot of your anxiety.  

Relax Your Body And Mind With Meditation

Meditation relaxes your body and mind. You just need a quiet location and keep your mind open. Here is why you should meditate:

• It helps you manage your stress.

• It reduces negative emotions.

• It helps you become more patient.

• It gives you the clarity to focus on the present moment.

• It can help you stay centered and give you inner peace. 

• It increases your self-awareness.

• It improves your sleep quality. 

Be Mindful While Using Social Media 

Social media is the best way to stay in touch with your friends and family. It has some great benefits, but on the other hand, it also has some drawbacks. There is a possibility you might come across false information that might be misleading. You need to know that just because a close friend of yours sent it to you, it may not always be true. 

Be mindful when you use social media. This misinformation can make it difficult for you to heal or cope with your health issues. It can create stress, anxiety, fear, or depression. And that is not something you want, right?

Seek Medical Help When You Need

It is important that you recognize your mental health problems and solve them. Here is how you will know you should seek medical help:

• You observe a change in sleeping patterns

• You are finding it difficult to sleep and concentrate

• Your health is worsening

In most cases, it may happen due to social isolation or certain stresses or fears. You can speak to qualified mental health counselors. You may not be able to meet them in person, but you can always talk to your counselors virtually. Remember that you may not respond to stress like someone you know. So, do not worry about anything when you seek medical help. 

Talking to counselors can help you through the anxiety you are feeling due to social isolation, traumas, coping with certain issues in everyday life, and much more. This ultimately results in:

• Sound sleep

• Increased satisfaction and happiness

• Improved relations with everyone around you

In order to curb the growing mental health problems due to Corona, the Union Social Justice and Empowerment Ministry also came up with a rehabilitation helpline named KIRAN. You can call on 1800-599-0019 from your phone or landline across the country. It is a 24/7 toll-free helpline that provides support to people facing any mental health concerns.

Conclusion

With the upsurge in the number of COVID cases, it becomes extremely important to take care of your health, not just physically but mentally too. We hope this blog helps you understand seven ways you can heal your mental health at home. 

Stay focused to keep yourself physically fit and mentally healthy!