The year 2020 has been the true definition of a hullabaloo. Okay, too much grammar. I don’t want to add to the events of the year. What I meant in simple English is that the year has been one “helluva shit show.” Each month has had one ghastly incident or more. So far, the coronavirus pandemic has taken the front-line in this show. It has caused the whole world to stand still, nations to go on total lock down, businesses to fold and thousands of deaths globally. It has caused you and I to be isolated at home with or without family.
To some extent, your mental health is determined directly and indirectly by the happenings in the society. A person who is clinically depressed could become even more depressed for being “cooped up” indoors. A person with an anxiety disorder or bipolar disorder could potentially face more episodes because of feeling “trapped” and feeling helpless with the incidents happening around the world.
Truth be told, working from home can be very unproductive and boring. And for most people who are not working at home, staying sane is like being with the Joker in Gotham Asylum. So, how then can a person stay sane in the midst of this pandemic? How can you and I not “lose our shit” with everything going on?
Here are some proven suggestions that work:
(The pandemic has been going on for a while, but a number of us are still yet to adjust or find a coping mechanism that works. Or simply given up on trying. I hope something here gives you the urge to try.)
- Social Connection: As humans, our need for human comfort is undeniable. Our career sometimes creates distance between family
and friends because of time nonavailability. Time? You have it now. Call to catch up on everything you missed. Chat them up on social media. Video call. And if you have them close-by physically, spend more time with them than with social media. Do everything to fill up that vacuum.
- Staying Active: Try out your inner chef. Food is good for the body no doubt. But good food? That’s even better. It keeps you relaxed, gets
your immunity up to battle any illness (falling sick at a time like this is not needed). Go online. Research what to do with recipes you have at home. Try them out, and maybe just after this period, you might decide to open up a restaurant. Invite me to the launch though, I love food.
Also, workouts are a good way to stay active. And no, I’m not trying to kill you. You have a lot of spare time on your hands, so why not get that body in shape? The abs and muscles or toned body you have been looking for but haven’t had time to start working on them, well, the universe just blessed you with an opportunity. Go to Playstore, download an exercise app or use the web version and get that body in shape. Take daily pictures to show progress and encourage yourself.
- Brain Diet: As physical “munchable” food is for the stomach, so are books for your brain. Read a book. If you are like me, gathering
knowledge is a skill – being able to hold any conversation is a necessary skill in the world today. How to do that? By reading little about
everything. Read novels, read about politics, read about mental health, read about photography, read about fashion, read about business, read! Learn new words. There are several online books and platforms and even offline versions. Examples are Anybooks, PabPub, Pocket.
4. Online courses: Yes, online courses. They are not only for the geeks. The workforce today doesn’t rely solely anymore on what you studied in school, but the extra skills you have got. Take courses in copy writing, programming, business, project managing, etc. These courses mostly come with certifications, so that is an added benefit.
5. Movies: Haha, yes! As a stoic movie lover, I put it to you that there is no greater time-consuming agent than movies. Have you noticed that while watching a good movie or TV series, you sometimes forget to eat and only realise late in the evening? (please endeavour to eat). That is the power of a good movie. Create a family cinema. Download movies and series or binge watch Netflix. There are great movies and series to see.
6. Skincare routine: You don’t have to come out of this period looking like you got hit by a truck. Simple skincare routine can leave you with a glow. And glowing isn’t limited to females alone. Clear skin is not limited to a specific gender. Several online platforms boast of natural homemade skincare products. Go on to try them. Did you also know your skincare routine
benefits your mental health? Medically, this is a proven fact. Matt Traube, a licensed clinical psychotherapist and a psychodermatologist in California says that “healthy eating habits, exercise, skincare and journaling are critical for your overall mental health.”
7. Clear that clutter: Arrange the house. Pack out those junks lying around. Give your home breathing space. Clutters are not even limited to your home or room alone, but also on your phone. Use this time to delete pictures, documents or files that take up space on your phone. By doing this, you will stumble on old pictures and that is a good period to reminisce. Also, clearing your clutter helps you manage stress better and a spacious room improves mental health.
8. Sleep: As over flogged as this may sound, it cannot be overemphasised. Sleep deprivation can affect your mental health adversely. An adult needs 7 – 9 hours recommended to function optimally. In a country like Nigeria and a state like Lagos, getting the recommended hours of sleep is almost wishful thinking. Still, endeavour to sleep more especially during this period. Your body will thank you.
-Olawunmi Olaniyi.