No matter where you live on this planet, the past 15 months or so have been filled with worry and uncertainty. Most of us have not experienced a time with so much societal and political unrest. Here we'll share 10 mental health self-care tips you can use to fight fear during these uncertain times.
The coronavirus has turned life upside down for those of us who have not been directly affected, and worse for those who have. Our sense of a normalcy is beyond recognition in many ways, and now we’re being told that life will never return to normal.
We’re advised by public health officials to stay home, social distance, wear masks, and close our businesses. The closing of parks and beaches, sporting events, concerts, gyms and health clubs have caused fear and anxiety for many. There are countless unknowns for us to deal with along with fundamental changes to the fabric of normal life in America.
Do You Always feel Fear Now?
Uncertainty is all around us, and never more so than today. As human beings, we need to feel some sense of certainty and a normal way of life. We want to feel safe.
It is also very important for humans to feel some sense of control of their lives, health, body, and overall wellness. Uncertainty about any of these can lead to anxiety, stress and feelings of powerlessness.
Key Ways To Protect Your Peace of Mind
Life can change in an instant. You are worried that life may not ever go back to the way it was pre-pandemic. The truth is no-one knows how this is going to turn out.
My belief is that everyone needs to learn how to grow their own food, how to take care of themselves and use natural remedies whenever possible… just like our ancestors once did.
Check out these mental health self-care tips to stay positive and cope no matter what's going on in the world.
Focus on What is Good
It’s not the bright side but the good stuff. No matter how small.
Time with family or pets. Maybe it’s time to relax, or work on an art project, or write a book. Finding gratitude for anything you have in your life is key. Gratitude promotes mental health and a more positive outlook in general which is amazing for your mental health.
Set A Schedule
So, your daily routine was lost months ago. So, let’s take a minute and make a new one. Grab a calendar or a notebook. Use your phone if you have to. Create a schedule for yourself. This can be for work, school, or personal projects.
Having a structure to your day helps you have meaning, purpose, and encourages productivity. This can bring peace and structure to your life.
Connect
Connect with friends and family even if it means using technology to do so. Personally, I trust my immune system, so I'm seeing friends whenever I can.
If you feel differently, use social media, video conferencing and phone calls. These will help you stay connected to people you care about.
Social isolation is very unhealthy so reach out to those you wish to spend time with. Connecting with friends can help take the fear out of the pandemic, or at least reduce it. Don’t always wait for your friends to call you. Reach out to them.
10 Mental Health Self-Care Tips To Fight Fear
10 Mental Health Self-Care Tips
Self-Care Practices:
- Meditate or do yoga
- Take a hot bath to relax
- Diffuse these Essential Oils in your environment
- Give Yourself a Massage
- Eat Natural Foods
- Journaling – Writing out your feelings is a great outlet
- Go on a hike or do some earth grounding
- Breathing Practices
- Listen to calming music
- Cut down on screen time & negative mainstream news stories
You are the captain of your life. Implement fear-busting habits. Remember that not everything we're being told by the media is true. Learn to think critically and do your own research over believing what you're told.
The pandemic life is scary for everyone, but keep in mind that you are not alone and there is a lot of support out there for you to take advantage of.
But most of all, stay healthy, optimistic, and take care of yourself. These are keys to healthy well-being.
Seek out and create a life filled with balance and good health. Using some of these practices will help you develop techniques to diminish fear and improve your overall health.