The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has reached most of the world around February or March. However, recent studies suggest that there were already early signs of coronavirus towards the end of 2019. In other words, the pandemic has probably been there for approximately one year by now. It is a scary thought, especially for people who have found self-isolation unbearable.
Unfortunately, we need to be prepared for further waves of cases as governments learn to manage risks. Scientists are doing everything they can to find a vaccine soon. But soon is not now. Therefore, as the virus remains a threat, the news can send us on a rollercoaster of emotions. One day, businesses and schools are opening again. The next, individuals are rushing to their homes for safety.
Should we go back to self-isolation?
Is it safe to go out and meet friends again?
Do I need to wear a mask on the streets too?
We don’t know what we can and can’t do anymore! Contradictory reports are making it hard to make plans and feel in control.
Without any reliable guidance, you are going through a lot of pressure that affects your ability to decide and control your life and work. Therefore, it becomes indispensable to create a health-focused routine that can eliminate limbo feelings in times of uncertainty.
MENTAL HEALTH TIPS
Doubts are unavoidable when you receive conflicting information. Unfortunately, we are in the middle of the pandemic uncertainty. It can be hard to plan ahead. That creeping feeling you are experiencing right now is called doubt. You doubt quarantine or self-isolation could change anything. You are worried that covid will never disappear.
Here are two things to remember when you feel self-doubts affecting your mind and your health choices.
Firstly, COVID is not going to be a threat forever.
Secondly, doubts appear in a situation such as now where you can’t find any certainty in the facts.
But you can schedule activities that will eliminate rooms for doubts and negative thoughts.
Make time for mindful meditation
The pandemic situation has created a surge of anxiety for all of us. Lack of certainty leads to negative thoughts that can rapidly grow out of control. Making time in your schedule for daily meditation can go a long way. Indeed, you can learn practical solutions to develop mindfulness techniques. A mindful attitude can help you release worries and create a positive direction for yourself. It doesn’t answer all your questions about when the pandemic is going to end. But it helps focus on the things that are in your control: here and now. Allowing your mind to find a path to clarity makes you feel less powerless.
Seek comfort in healthy food
It’s easy to fall into the trap of an unhealthy diet. We turn to food for comfort in times of doubt. When the situation seems to be going nowhere, you may find yourself reaching out for sugary treats to boost your mood. Yet, you’ll be surprised to know that your go-to comfort snacks are not helping your decisiveness. Indeed, high sugar loads can create a temporary energy rush, which is followed by difficulty to maintain your mental focus and mildly depressive symptoms. Your favorite chocolate bars are making it harder for you to eliminate self-doubts and make effective decisions. Instead, it’s a good idea to schedule the time for dietary choices that improve your mental health. According to studies, a Mediterranean-style diet that consists of fruits, vegetables, yogurt, cheese, nuts, whole grains, lean proteins, and olive oil fulfills your brain’s nutritional needs. A nourished mind can achieve mental clarity, which keeps you focused and centered.
Heal your damaged energy
If you are not familiar with Reiki, it is an energy-healing tool that can be used to help people go through exhausting hardships, both physical and emotional. Indeed, Reiki can help you feel mentally and emotionally lighter https://life-in-bloom.com/what-to-expect-from-an-energy-reiki-session-with-mandy/. At the end of the session, you will feel relaxed and energized. In times of uncertainty, such as now, you need all the energy you can get.
Physical Health Tips
As most people are trying to avoid physical interaction and contacts, our screen time is increasing dramatically. Chances are that you’ve been dedicating a lot of time to digital activities since the first quarantine. Unfortunately, the situation has created unhealthy work and digital entertainment habits, making you more sensitive to anxiety and doubts. Keeping your body energized and avoiding physical burdens doesn’t only preserve your immune system. It also ensures your brain, the organ that requires the most energy, can stay focused.
Reduce stress headache
A lot of American households have embraced home-based workstations since March. For many, it’s been several months. The home office is a place of safety. However, it is hard to manage a healthy work/life balance. You are likely to work longer hours working on a screen. Screen work can lead to fatigue and eye strain, and blurry vision – easy if it is only temporary. If you are going to carry on working from home, you need to see right. A pair of screen glasses or minor corrective lenses can go a long way. Ideally, you also want to schedule regular breaks for your eyes.
Get up regularly
Recent research suggests that desk workers should spend at least 30 minutes standing up every hour. That might seem like a lot of time, but sitting for too long slows down your metabolism and can affect your mood. As a minimum, you should aim for 15 minutes standing every hour to cancel the risks of prolonged sitting. Yet, if scheduling time to get up can get tricky, you can also consider a modulable desk that allows you to sit or stand throughout the day.
What difference do these health steps make? As simplistic as it might sound, scheduling time to free your mind from unnecessary pressures – both mental and physical –, can give you back control of your life and your energy. Rather than being stuck in a position in which you wait for the latest news about the pandemic, you can take charge and control of the things that matter. Enhancing your mental focus during these times of uncertainty helps you to remain positive and achieve your goals.
