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In the current world crisis that we’re dealing with, our mental health is often pushed to the background. We’re consumed by worries, anxiety, health (or lack of for those infected/touched by COVID-19), and work. But in this time of crisis, we owe it to ourselves and humanity to try to stop this process and prioritize mental health. Why? Because taking care of our mental health allows us to be more level-headed and analytical. This in turn means we are able to process information more efficiently, follow the needed public health guidelines, and be a support for our family, coworkers, community and front-line works (thank you healthcare workers!). Read below for 3 tips you can use to improve your mental health during (this) crisis, so you can be your best self for the world:
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Stop ruminating
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Joseph Grenny (vitalsmarts.com) wrote a recent post outlining crucial skills we should be using in critical times. One of the main points outlined is the importance of NOT ruminating! He outlined a great example of himself after 9/11 – he listened to the radio for 20 hours straight on his drive from Texas to Utah, and heard the same stories being cycled over and over. And you guessed it – this information (often incomplete and maybe contradicting) caused his anxiety and panic to skyrocket. While it is important to stay informed and know what the best practices and safety protocols are, there comes a critical point where we need to just STOP. Stop consuming news that is just telling you the same information. Grenny outlined it great: “Here is a perfect recipe for anxiety: take a novel thread, add imperfect information, then stir, stir and stir some more. Stirring adds no new information, it simply recycles the misery…But when you are already doing everything you know how to do, it is time to stop stirring. Remind yourself, there is NEVER certainty in life.” So, do just that: remain informed, but more than that, do all you know how and then STOP stirring the pot and causing yourself more anxiety. This alone will improve your mental health immensely.
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Social distance…the right way
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We all need to and should already be social distancing physically – there is no debate around that. For many of us, physical social distancing is now required by law. What we should NOT be doing however, is socially distancing emotionally. We are lucky to live in a culture where we have a vast amount of technology that lets us talk to and see the faces of our friends and family. So, use them! Instead of ruminating or binging on TV (although some binging is encouraged), use this time to call that friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with. Call your grandparents, parents and other family members to see how they are doing. This is a chance for us all to become more connected than ever, even if we’re not able to physically be together. This will also help lower your anxiety and worry, and help you not feel isolated and alone (something that is easy to do in the current situation). Whether it is family game nights via zoom, friend yoga sessions via skype, or any other number of activities, you will feel better connecting to those you love. Trust us – we’re doing it now and feeling the positive impacts!
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Make selfcare #1
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Selfcare is one of the easiest things to neglect and can often feel hard to do when we’re feeling overwhelmed, sad and anxious. The motivation can be hard to find, as can the feeling that we deserve or have a right to prioritize ourselves in a time like this. First – you need to stop thinking that prioritizing yourself and self-care is selfish. It is the opposite, because we as said in the beginning, a happy more stable and grounded you is more impactful for your family and community. Second – stop thinking selfcare needs to be elaborate. It can be, but there are a million small actions you can do throughout the day. Examples include: enjoying your cup of coffee or tea before opening your phone in the AM, taking 5-10 minutes to do a meditation in your day, reading a chapter of a good book, etc. While an hour-long face mask and bubble bath routine is also encouraged, the smaller selfcare acts throughout the day will make a big impact on your mental and physical health. Third – make selfcare a routine. Making it a part of your daily activities will help you feel more stable throughout your day and will make it easier to maintain.
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Overall, it is important to remember we’re not alone: in our feelings, struggles, and needs. We challenge you that, instead of feeling overwhelmed, look at each new day as an opportunity to build your mental health and selfcare practices. Look at it as a new chance to see how you can give – to yourself and to the world. While this time of crisis is overwhelming and scary, together we will continue to move through it. Together our actions will make a difference.
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Interested in learning more about prioritizing selfcare while being productive? Contact our team at Kim@QuantumMark.com today!
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