Whether we are stuck at home or working in the frontlines or in the essential services - the implications of the pandemic and the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) affects us all.
Photo via Harvard Business Review
It is important to pay attention to our mental and emotional well-being during this difficult time, so here are some tips on how we can continue to nurture our minds and well-being, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
1. Turn off your phone or stay away from social media!
Photo via Healthline
Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories including those on social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can sometimes be upsetting...
Instead, listen to your favourite music or read the book that’s been sitting there in your room collecting dust!
2. Take care of your body and mind
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Now that you have all the time, why not spend it by meditating, doing stretches, or keeping your body active by exercising regularly. There are many easy workouts that you can do at home, just look it up on YouTube lah!
Or, take a few seconds to just breathe…
3. Eat healthy
Photo via Dr. Seeds Blog
It’s time to show off that cooking skills you never knew you had!
The food you eat can definitely affect your mood and how you feel. There are tons of easy and healthy recipes that you can find on the internet, and there’s definitely no harm in trying something new!
4. Stick to a schedule
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If you’re feeling anxious due to the lack of regularity and structure, then you need to be vigilant about creating and maintaining a new routine.
Plan for a super-productive day the night before! List out all the work or chores you need to get done, then layer on the basic activities like your meals, showering, getting dressed, and time with your family, your friends (virtually), or your pets.
5. Go to sleep on time!
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Stick to a consistent wake and sleeping time. Try to avoid any screen time 30 minutes before your bedtime and replace it with your favourite wind-down activity instead like reading a book, doing gentle stretches, or listening to soft, pleasant music.
6. Get help!
Photo via AARP
If it gets too much, or if you’re feeling distressed that it’s impacting your daily activities for a few days, then don’t be afraid to seek help!
You should definitely reach out to your loved ones, and share your concerns and how you are feeling with a friend or family member. Remember to always stay social (virtually) so that you can maintain healthy relationships and build a strong support system.
So, have that friend you haven’t seen in a while? Well, it’s time to video call them!
Please stay at home, stay safe, and stay healthy, guys!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
