Now that mass testing is being implemented and there are only a few weeks before ECQ is finally lifted, most of us are having mixed emotions about the uncertainty of what could happen in the following days.
While our feelings of anxiety and stress are considered normal as a response to the pandemic, we can still lessen their impact on our physical and mental health. We list down some tips to keep your mental health in check while we weather the last few days of ECQ:
Connect with your loved ones.
This is important especially to those who are living far away from their families and friends. Checking up on each other at least 30 minutes a day can make you feel less anxious because you know what’s happening with them. Video or phone calls are better than messaging and social media. You can talk about anything: newfound recipes, the new KDrama you’ve been watching or you can even pass memes around to lighten up the mood.
Exercise!
We tend to become sedentary as we’re all stuck indoors. Stay healthy and keep your heart pumping with light exercises at home. Studies show that physical activities can combat the signs of depression and boost endorphins.
If you want to get inspired, we’ve been obsessed with Chloe Ting’s workout programs lately. You can also find more tips to stay fit while at home here.
Disconnect and limit your news consumption.
With everything that’s happening around the world, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Wanting to be updated with the news might be the normal thing to do but hearing mostly negative stuff can trigger anxiety. Limit your news consumption to 30 minutes a day and then do something fun afterward to try and get distracted. You can also mute certain keywords on Twitter.
Stick to a routine.
Most of us have messed up body clocks because we know we’re not really required to wake up early the next day. Sleeping too much or too little can disrupt your mental health and could have detrimental effects on your brain. While sleeping late to catch up on your favorite series is the only thing you’re doing while on quarantine (we’re guilty of this!), try and maintain a similar time when you wake up and go to bed. Also, be mindful of your eating habits and the times you have your meals.
Try and avoid thinking negative thoughts.
This is not the easiest thing to do especially to those with anxiety. The more you overthink, the more you’ll become anxious. Whenever you feel like overthinking, remind yourself that you have control over your feelings and you can control the present. Another tip: Every morning, try and write five things you’re grateful for, whether its the delicious fried rice you had for breakfast or the new Spotify playlist you discovered earlier.
Be of service.
Acts of kindness are proven to have positive effects on our mental health. Being of help to others is beneficial to our well-being, too. There are different ways to help frontliners and those in need during these times: find a volunteering opportunity, donate some amount for PPEs, arrange fundraising for frontliners, help the less fortunate with food and supplies, name it.
Breathe.
Consider this a reminder that your feelings are valid. Don’t beat yourself up and feel what you have to feel right now. It’s okay not to be okay. Know when to rest and be gentle with yourself. If things get too difficult, please seek professional help.
This, too, shall pass.