Mental Health Wellness in Self-Isolation
The Covid-19 outbreak has shaken the world upside down, forcing us to change the way we work and live, in every way imaginable. Our universally isolated and socially distant lifestyles can prove to be a real struggle, particularly when it comes to mental health and wellbeing.
Working from home now becomes ‘the norm’—and for many, we know it’s a real challenge. Not all of us are equipped to live in isolation or stay away from people we love, but of course, this is a necessity at the moment until the situation subsides further. But, that doesn’t make it easy.
No matter how creative or productive you may be, maintaining mental wellness can prove challenging in our current climate. Being home can be frustrating: you may feel bored, have insomnia or also feel isolated And then, there is the matter of stress and anxiety.
“It’s OKAY to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave.” – Mandy Hale
We know that stress and anxiety is a real burden and when it gets too much, it can have a negative impact on your everyday life.
To help you look after your mental health in isolation, here are some tips and hints from all of us at HumbleWorks HQ.
Here are are a few ways to handle anxiety and stress
Stay in touch with friends and family via social media or calls
You may have been busy and running around before we were thrust into a state of isolation—so take this opportunity to connect with near and dear ones. Enjoy laid back conversations filled with laughter and nostalgia. Doing so will help you feel connected and flood your brain with positivity.
Stick to a personalized routine
If you followed a routine outside of isolation, why not form one in isolation? Wake up at a consistent time each day and put together a routine that will give you purpose, flow, and motivation; maintaining a framework will help to prevent you from falling into a lethargic lifestyle while keeping you both physically and mentally supple. Sticking to a routine will also provide you with a level of focus that will help keep your anxiety at bay.
Change your mindset
It isn’t always easy, but take a little time each day to look at all the positives the isolation has given you and keep moving forward; knowing there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. Find ways to be more healthy, both mentally and physically speaking, with mindfulness, fitness regimes, walking, running, cycling, music, or art.
Give priority to mental wellness
Prioritize your mental health and take steps like mindfulness and meditation to manage it. Isolation is tough, but even the slightest bit of effort and social connection can go a long way. If you’re mentally low, talk to someone you love, go outside for a walk, or focus on an activity that makes you feel good. It is all about balance and being present.
Take care of yourself
Putting the least amount of stress on your mind and body should be the top priority right now, so go ahead and take care of yourself. Enjoy a little pampering, treat yourself to something you love, enjoy a lie-in — basically anything that makes you happy, alleviates stress, and reduces your anxiety.
New beginnings
Life is not just about work, it’s about play, too. Consider the lockdown a gift of time and learn something new. We get an enormous amount of wellbeing from new challenges, so take this time to commit to achieving a new goal or learning a new skill without pressuring yourself, and start your new journey today. This positive level of focus will work wonders for your wellbeing.
“You can’t always control what goes on outside. But you can always control what goes on inside.” – Wayne Dyer
Exercise for anxiety and stress
Our lives are wired in such a way that stress, unfortunately, is inevitable. But, there are exercises that can help—and we’re going to look at some now.
When we exercise, our body releases endorphins that help alleviate stress. Also, regular exercise can improve your vitals, increase blood circulation, enhance the brain’s cognitive functions, and improve sleep quality— all key ingredients to reducing stress and anxiety.
Here are regular exercises you can try to help reduce your stress and anxiety during a lockdown:
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Start by walking for 30 minutes a day, gradually increasing your pace and distance over time. If you feel like upping the intensity, you can start jogging.
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Light indoor circuit or interval training indoors, in the garden or in the park.
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Daily yoga: there are plenty of excellent online resources and videos to choose from.
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Regular calisthenics (body weight-based) exercises for beginners (a great way to supplement your daily walk).
“Do not let your difficulties fill you with anxiety; after all it is only in the darkest nights that stars shine more brightly.” – Ali Ibn Abi Talib
