Mental wellbeing: How to cope from home
When it comes to our mental wellbeing, there is so much that can play on our minds right now; boredom, frustration, loneliness, worries about finances or even anxiousness about other family members.
First and foremost, feeling any of these things this is completely understandable and absolutely acceptable. I think we would all be lying if we said we didn’t feel at least one of those symptoms. It is important to remember that the current situation is only temporary and that things will get better.
The advice we give will hopefully go some way in helping keep on top of our mental wellbeing right now as well as coping with how we may feel while staying at home for the foreseeable.
Everyone is different and has their own way of coping. If we ever need further support than just advice, it is always encouraged that we reach out to someone that we trust can help.
Ways to help manage our mental wellbeing
- Staying connected with friends, family and colleagues
Often, just knowing other people are feeling the same as we are and that they’re in the same boat can help immensely. Part of the battle sometimes is feeling like we’re the only person that feels a certain way and that nobody else will understand what we’re going through. If we’re not comfortable talking about how we feel, a good thing to do is ask others how they feel. See if they are going through similar experiences as ourselves. This will help you to see that we’re not alone in what we’re going through. Staying connected is also a good way to take our mind off whatever is troubling us. Our friends and family know us better than most, and it’s often comforting being able to laugh and joke about an old memory or even future plans!
- Make plans to do the practical things
It is amazing how resilient businesses can be during times of hardship. If we’ve been accessing physical or mental treatment before COVID19, it is likely that we can still continue this is some capacity that enables us some normality. We may perhaps have a favourite place to dine or order takeaway from. Many businesses are now adapting their services to online so that we are still able to enjoy some of things we did before. If we’re unsure whether a business or not is still open, then just ask the question! Businesses need to hear from us as much as we need to hear from them right now. Take advantage of being able to go outdoors and exercise with a family member or friend (following the government guidelines). Exercise is one of the most powerful tools in helping cope with mental health stresses.
- Look after our physical health
We mentioned above that physical and mental health go hand in hand. This is very true! Our mental health can usually be a lot more niche and trickier to find an immediate solution, whereas our physical health often isn’t as difficult. It’s common knowledge that exercising more and eating healthier is beneficial to our bodies. Finding this information is relatively easy and straight forward too. However, if we have a more complex diet with certain underlying issues and complications, there is still help available via a nutritional therapist. Maintaining a healthy, physical appearance, albeit for perhaps slightly vein reasons, can hugely impact our mental wellbeing and positive thoughts. And there is nothing wrong with that! We all deserve to feel and look beautiful.
- Don’t get caught up on the news!
As vital as it is to stay in the ‘loop’ right now, it’s just as important that we don’t get hung up on every detail. The news is mostly full of ‘bad’ news as that’s what captures people attention, unfortunately. There is so much positivity in the world that isn’t as documented, so it’s just not worth gluing ourselves to the news only to make ourselves feel worse than we need to. If we do want to read the news, it’s worth trying to search more positive things. There are so many businesses, people and charities out there every day that are doing great things to help tackle the current pandemic to make the world a better place.
- Try relaxation and meditation
This is something that we would imagine most of us are guilty of not doing enough! It’s always “we just haven’t got time” or that “we’re too stressed to meditate”. Switching off to close our eyes and relax for as little as 10 minutes can be extremely helpful. We don’t need hours each day in order to relax and feel better. Sometimes it’s just about pausing for a few moments to take on board the day and think of everything we have to be grateful for. Meditation is a great way of helping to channel these thoughts. There is ample free meditation content to choose from on the internet. Some like to listen to the soothing sounds of nature, and others find peace in listening to a calming voice for example. Choose what works for you but make sure you’re try to switch off from the world, if only for a few minutes.
- Stay in the loop about our employment and benefits
One of the main reasons why many of us are worried and anxious at the moment is because of financial security and job security. The last thing we need is to be told not to worry by people that don’t even know anything themselves. Speaking to our employers directly to ask them every possible question is the best place to start. It’s our right to know and they should be honest and upfront. They may even be able to provide access to services that can help how we feel. If we don’t ask, we will never know. Discussing our options with trusted professionals in the know, such as HR, soliciting and banking departments can also help. If we aren’t working, understanding the details about what the current pandemic means for us is extremely important – always check the government website for all the latest updates.
If you feel you need a little more than online advice, we have comprehensive listening services available as well as counselling services. Alternatively, you may ask our expert therapists for advice that may be a little more personal to you using our FREE online service, here.
