Maintaining mental health and wellbeing with a 3-pronged approach

As people all over the world focus on their physical health, it’s important to remember that we need to be taking steps to maintain our mental health and wellbeing too. Levels of worry, stress and anxiety are rising alongside the number of COVID-19 cases and it’s important that we don’t let these feelings overwhelm us.

Here’s a 3-pronged approach to maintain your emotional and mental wellbeing.

Step 1. Acknowledge your feelings are normal

It’s important to remember that it’s perfectly normal to feel anxious and worried during a stressful situation like the new coronavirus pandemic. It’s also normal for people to react differently, so don’t expect that you should feel the same as others. The first step involves acknowledging your feelings and reminding yourself that they will pass.

Step 2. Watch out for the signs of stress and anxiety

Common signs of stress that you should watch out for during a pandemic include:

• Difficulty sleeping, concentrating or relaxing

• Changes in your eating and sleeping habits

• Increased or decreased energy levels

• Excessive worry or fear over health matters

• Increased irritability, angry outbursts and arguments

• Increased use of tobacco, alcohol or other drugs

• Frequent crying

• Wanting to be alone

• Having trouble listening or communicating

• Lacking the ability to have fun or feel enjoyment

• Physical signs, such as stomach upsets, headaches, tremors or muscle twitches and being easily startled for example

Step 3. Take steps to maintain your mental wellbeing

There are plenty or simple steps you can do to maintain your mental wellbeing. Here are some recommendations:

Reach out to a support network

Even if you’re stuck at home you should maintain contact with your regular support network, or join a new one such as a local community Facebook group. Depending on your situation you may be able to meet up in person if you follow social distancing rules, but if that’s not possible then picking up the phone, talking online, texting or messaging are options. While family and friends might not be able to come over and help entertain the children, maybe they could make use of a video calling app to read them bedtime stories or similar.

Keep up your routines and stay active

This is particularly important if you are stuck at home. It’s good for your mental wellbeing to stick to regular mealtimes, bedtimes and exercise routines if possible. Consider adapting your routines if necessary. For example, go for a run or exercise at home instead of hitting the gym.

Switch off and take time to relax, have a break and unwind

It’s important to step away from watching, reading and listening to the news about the pandemic. Read a good book, watch a movie, exercise or spend time on your hobbies to take your mind off things. If you usually meditate or pray then these activities might also help. When you are reading news about the pandemic, make sure that it's from legitimate sources.

Take care of yourself

Now is the time to eat well, get the recommended amount of sleep and exercise, and just generally look after yourself. Avoid excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine - they can make anxiousness worse.