Photo by Jan Kahanek on Unsplash
Why We Need to be Focusing on our Mental Health in These Times:
Much of this country is waking up to multiple pandemics. One is the physiological issue surrounding the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. With cases on a steady incline in America, masks, hand sanitizers, and 6 feet apart have become chants in the back of everyone’s mind. Another issue that many Americans have had to reckon with in the past several months is the plight of BIPOC (black, indigenous, and people of color) in this country. To paraphrase something my friend said, racial issues in this country have been endemic for decades and the death of George Floyd and COVID-19 set the stage for exposure.
While the necessity of closely understanding and fighting both of these crises are vital, I can’t help but think of the next imminent issue: mental health crises following quarantine, protests, food insecurity, unemployment, and health scares. When I open social media, I am often inundated with companies posting about better days ahead, in what seems like a superficial attempt to throw a Band-Aid on a festering issue.
In my time in self-imposed quarantine, I’ve had far too much time to think, and one of the things I wanted to nail down are some healthy habits that will help make the coming days easier and less stressful for me. Despite the troublesome times we are living through, I have found these tips to be a proactive measure to protect my mental energy against an uncertain future.
1. Drink a Cup of Ice-cold Water in the Morning
If you’re anything like me, you’ve been going to bed late at 3 AM and then waking up five hours later for no explainable reason. Of course, your first instinct is to reach for a cup of coffee, but don’t do it! Instead, get yourself a tall cup of water, plunk some ice cubes in there, and drink it. Wait 30 minutes, and then drink your coffee. Trust me, your body and your brain will thank you later.
2. Journal a Page a Day
I know, I know. So cheesy. But, hey! This is one of those recreational activities for which you need very little equipment. A pen, a piece of paper, and your thoughts, and you’re off! I’ve been doing one page a day in my little 7”x 9” notebook, and it’s just enough to pen down my surface feelings without being obliged to write a thesis about the things that are worrying me. I do this first thing in the morning, with nothing cluttering my mind. I have found it sets the tone for a focused, deliberate day, even if I’m just journaling about how stressed I am.
3. Take a Walk
I hated this with a passion. When I first started, I despised the feeling of cars zipping by me, and my walking felt meaningless. But I forced myself to get out every day, and slowly, I began to appreciate more than walking simply to reach any destination. I do it now to nourish my body, hear the crickets chirping, and rack up my mile count! I’ve even roped my sister into walks with me, and it’s been wonderful having conversation and laughter on the path.
4. Curate a Playlist
Music can help our mental health in multiple ways and having all of your favorite songs in one place is such a great tool. My Spotify playlists encapsulate themes from my emotions, the weather, and even the days of the week. Whether I’m happy or down in the slumps, my music is a form of escape, and having it all in one place is one thing I never have to worry about. Trust me, having a “Monday” playlist will change your life.
5. Limit Social Media
We hold this truth so dear to our hearts that not all social media apps are mental health-friendly. You know what I mean. I have found that there are ways to be engaged mindfully, and then there’s a use of social media that entraps me into a scrolling, repetitive circle for hours on end. What helps me the most is deleting the apps off my phone. During the day, I keep the apps deleted off my phone. At night, when I’m winding down, I allow myself to re-download and browse for a short while. I’ve found that the longer I’ve done this, the fewer nights I have wanted to re-download the app to scroll meaninglessly. Do what works for you, but keep moderation in mind! People will always be putting their lives on the Internet – take whatever time you need to be present in yours.
6. Shop Mindfully
Whether it’s food, clothing, or Amazon knick-knacks, track how you are spending your money. In quarantine, my family made it a goal to cook what we needed and planned our meals accordingly and tailored a shopping list. And much of my online shopping has been condensed to those things I can justify. For example, rather than buying clothes that I have no place to wear in the foreseeable future, I invested money into the garden supplies I need. Sometimes when we buy things, we are not mentally aware of the reasons a product is utile. Do your research, make your needs and wants lists, and spend money wisely, so as to reduce waste and mindless consumption.
A lot of these tips may seem straightforward, but it is truly the habit making process that makes them so important. Knowing these tips and implementing them daily will be a challenge but one that is so worth it. I have found that sticking by them, even when it’s hard, has made me more conscientious about my day and the state of my mind. I hope trying them helps you to do the same!
