When the news brings sad stories every single day, you must look after your mental health.
Lockdowns, pandemics, and masks are words we now know well. 2020 is becoming one of those years that many of us would like to forget.
Sadly, mental health problems steadily rise every day. It is still too early to say how the pandemic will affect people in the long-term.
So, what can you do to stay mentally alert and positive right now? Here are some ideas to get you started.
Table of Contents
Adopt An Optimistic Attitude
Which glass is yours?
After decades of research, a study at Harvard T.H. Chan school at Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), found that optimists live longer.
Let’s face it; it can be challenging to stay optimistic when there is chaos in the world. But it is possible.
I think this quote from Wayne W. Dyer sums it all up nicely.
“What is hope but a feeling of optimism, a thought that says things will improve, it won’t always be bleak [and] there’s a way to rise above the present circumstances.”
Wayne W. Dyer
Next time you notice that you are feeling a bit pessimistic make a mental note. Was it something you thought about? Or was it somebody who made a specific comment?
Chances are you can figure out what it was that set you off. Once you know, you can take steps to avoid these thoughts or to listen to these comments.
The choice is yours.
Appreciate What You Have In Life
When we work and play every day, it is easy for us to forget what we have in our lives.
I’m not talking about money and things.
I’m talking about our family, friends, and our health.
Of course, money is necessary to pay our bills and to further ourselves in life. But it is easy for us to forget about the simple things.
They are the most important.
Sometimes you need to take a step back and have a look at your life.
Your life is precious; whoever you are. Make sure that you love your life and enjoy it as much as you can.
As they say, “it’s not a dress rehearsal”, so go for it!
Don’t Forget To Laugh
Things might not seem funny right now, especially if you know somebody who has been affected by COVID-19. But laughing can give you a completely different perspective on things.
Children laugh all the time.
But when we become adults, we have different commitments that can sometimes take their toll.
This statistic is quite sobering.
Let’s try and be more like a 4-year-old. Let’s embrace our inner children.
And let’s not forget that things can change so quickly. So, whatever is happening now will not be happening two weeks from now.
Talk To Somebody About Your Feelings
Open up to somebody you know.
Sometimes we can give the impression that everything is fine. But deep down, we are not okay.
If you feel like this, talk to a good friend or family member that you trust. It is not good for your mental health to bottle up feelings.
They can eat away at your soul.
And as the saying goes, “A problem shared, is a problem halved”.
In most cases, when you have spoken to somebody, you can feel a lot better. They may even make you see things more positively and differently.
A fresh perspective can do wonders.
Take Regular Breaks
Don’t underestimate the power of a break.
Try to look after your mental health whenever you can.
We are usually doing so many things in our busy days, and we don’t realise how much we do.
It doesn’t have to be a long break. But make sure that you make it a habit to take some breaks. Be it a cup of coffee and a bit of cake, a walk in the park, or reading a book.
Whatever you do to relax. Please do it.
Your brain needs to rest so it can come back refreshed.
Turn Off The News
So, you might be thinking, what do piles of rocks have to do with the news?
Well… it is all about balance.
It is good to watch the news to find out what is going on the world on a national and international level.
But watching too much news can affect you, especially when there is a lot of pandemic news right now.
Sometimes you end up wondering why you even watched it.
An excellent way to get around this is to tell yourself you will only watch the news at certain times, and stick to it.
Otherwise, you can end up obsessing about it and getting yourself stressed.
In Conclusion
Try to look after your mental health as best as you can. If you are not comfortable speaking to a family member or friend, many organisations can help you.
To recap, try the ideas above and see if they can keep you in a happier frame of mind.
- Adopt an optimistic attitude
- Appreciate what you have in life.
- Don’t forget to laugh.
- Talk to somebody about your feelings.
- Take regular breaks.
- Turn off the news.
Please don’t forget to care and share this article with your family and friends.
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Sally Leslie is a motivational coach and optimist. She helps freelancers and entrepreneurs create balance in their lives and work towards their personal and professional goals. Sally is also a B2B freelance writer for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and startups. A lover of plants, freedom, and football!
