Restrictions on movement to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection seem to have hit us the hardest as we feel chained and keep lamenting for the lost freedom of leading a life in the way we want. In addition, the uneasiness of spending more time at home and the lack of routine as people grapple with the new lifestyle severely affects our mental health as no one can tell when the ordeal will end, feels Jason e Fisher. The uncertainty about the future, inability to regain the lost freedom of movement and the economic setback are taking a massive toll on people fighting hard to ease the mental stress affecting our overall wellness and well-being.
The new reality is too stressful, believes Jason e Fisher
Although it has been more than a year that we have been facing the new lifestyle laced with restrictions. We are yet to come to terms with it. The inability to accept the new reality fraught with various disruptions and restrictions pushes us towards despair, leading to depression. Add to this the anxiety about lost jobs, lack of physical contact with friends, colleagues, extended family. The deluge of information about the pandemic. Most of which are fake and sensational, all mounting up the stress and leaves us helpless says Jason e Fisher. Even more stressful is the fear of contracting the infection as new theories emerge. About the transmissibility of the virus that might render the safeguards and treatment ineffective.
To look after your mental health, here are some things to do.
Follow a routine
Although things have changed a lot in your daily life and that of your family. Create a new routine by adjusting to the changed lifestyle and following it strictly. Wake up and go to bed at a fixed time, maintain personal hygiene, exercise regularly. Eat healthy and nutritious food, divide your time between work and rest. Do things you enjoy most like gardening or any other hobbies. Also, spend some time with family and kids as it helps to relieve stress.
Stay informed by avoiding information overload
Since information about the pandemic is flowing from numerous sources, it is hard to distinguish between real and fake news. Therefore, restrict the amount of information you access every day by spending some fixed hours on it. Avoid random access to information from radio, TV, or social media and choose the information sources carefully. To ensure that these are official and authentic like the CDC, WHO, reliable news agencies, and advisories issued by the government and local bodies. Especially beware of social media, which is a breeding ground for fake news.
Stay connected
Socializing remains an important aspect of our lives. Despite not meeting people physically, stay virtually connected with those you feel important, and share a similar mindset. Being in the company of like-minded people will help overcome the feeling of loneliness. Sharing experiences about the pandemic will give you more courage to combat it effectively.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco as much as possible, as it will only worsen your mental health in the long run.