Lockdown: How To Manage Your Mental Health In Critical Times

Staying at home is not easy for everyone. While some people (mainly introverts) find it easier to stay at home than some other people (extroverts majorly) who also get their energy from social gatherings. The pandemic, lockdown and economic expectation are enough to affect the all-round health of any individual, whether introvert or extrovert.

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Most times we talk about physical health as only detailing our body and rarely do we talk about our soul/mind and spirit. These other parts of us also need as much care and patience with which we take care of our body. Therefore, we must take in good things that improve our well-being. So, in this period and generally, take care of your body and your mind. Take care of your physical health to ensure you remain healthy and take care of your mental health to ensure you remain sane to take the crucial decisions that would affect your life.

Today, I will be sharing with you some tips to help you manage your mental health during this lockdown. I am not a professional on such matters and in case these may not work, please reach out to the closest mental health professional on social media or on the ground. These are suggestions I believe will help to some extent:

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Accept Who You Are

At some point in life, we begin to question who we are because of the need to attach a definition to our personality. To find a definition for yourself, sit down with writing material and write out the things you are good at and those you would like to improve upon. Use your present self and who you would love to be as a standard for comparison, not anyone around you or on social media. Write about your smile, your kind heart, your protective nature, how you can go to any length to help family and friends and all that. See the good in you and the not so admirable attributes as things you can focus on working on one-at-a-time.

Engage in Regular Exercise

Engage in active exercises such as regular exercise. Exercise has been known to improve one’s mood as well as physical body.

People. People. People

Keep in touch with people who are your safe space. If you have toxic friends or family members, this is the time to limit conversations with them to the barest minimum.

Manage Stress Level

Manage your stress levels, take a break as often as you need to and do something you enjoy whether you’re good at it or not. This could be painting, writing, singing, miming, drawing, anything that gives you joy.

Red Flags and Triggers

Know your red flags or triggers. Does seeing someone’s post trigger you? Unfollow the person. Does someone in your chat room trigger you? Block them. This is not out of envy but out of preserving your mental space.

Ask for Help

Ask for help from people in your safe space or a professional when things start to get difficult. Don’t wait until things are very bad before reaching out.

Extend Compassion

Extend compassion to yourself and others: This is as much for you as me. Everyone has their capacity after which they break, don’t push people over the edge just because you can take it. Extending compassion means you respect people’s individuality, strength and weakness.

Remember you are not replaceable and we need you, the world needs your light, your smile, your love and your presence. If you are having it difficult at this time, please reach out to Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative. In the case of abuse, reach out to Stand to End Rape.

I’ll leave you with this wise word by George Bernard Shaw:

“Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.”

-George Bernard Shaw

Featured Image Source: A Man’s Quest

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aanu-olajide

Aanuoluwapo Olajide is a freelance writer who believes that words are fundamental blocks and are the force of life and death. She is a tech enthusiast, fashion designer and a lover of words.

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