During this time of staying at home and the greatly reduced physical activities, our mind ends up taking up that time and energy. If we are not careful or aware, it can cause a downward spiral.
Mental health is just as important as your physical health.
We may not be able to control the situation we are in, but we are in charge of how we choose to respond to it. It’s okay if you haven’t quite figured out what to do during this period, here are some helpful practical tips for taking care of your mental health
- Take care of yourself
Pay attention and be kind to yourself. Identify and give yourself what you need. Take deep breaths, engage all your senses, play some calming and soothing music, go for a walk. You could read that book you have been putting off, pen down your thoughts or watch some movies or dramas. Spend some time on your hobbies and do what makes you happy. You deserve some love, not just today but every day.
- Stay Connected
Create a strong support system. Keep in touch with family and friends through video calls on platforms like Zoom or Skype, so you can have a visual interaction compared to just text messaging. You could also share screen on these video call platforms and watch movies/videos together simultaneously or even Netflix party. Get creative, get connected, there are many things we are unable to do now, but there are still things we can do through the gift of technology. - Don’t be afraid to seek help
Isolation can be daunting as you may feel alone and away from your loved ones.
Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. A psychologist will be able to give you advice and recommend practical steps to feeling better. So don’t hide in silence and don’t give up on a better way of life. COPE Centre provides psychology services and therapy for various mental health issues. We are currently open and here to help!
Your mental health is worth making time for.
One day at a time, one step at a time, to a better state of mental health.