Maintaining a positive mindset during the pandemic can be hard. Anxiety and fear over what is going to happen in the coming months and just the uncertainty of when life will be back to “normal” can negatively impact one’s mental health and wellbeing.
Like with everything, it is better to be prepared and take preventative measures when possible. Taking proactive steps toward a healthy mind and body are essential. Here are some tips on how you can stay in good shape during these very tough times.
1. Stay active despite being indoors with home workouts
Exercising is a great way to keep you mentally and physically healthy because of the endorphins that your body will produce during a workout. Even if you don’t have access to a gym, there are a ton of other resources online, such as YouTube workout tutorials that could get you started!
If cabin fever is your greatest enemy, you could take a run or walk outside for a dose of fresh air. Remember to be socially responsible and maintain a physical distance of 2 meters. After all, keeping each other safe and healthy is our most important responsibility during this pandemic.
2. Prepare healthy and nutritious meals
As easy and quick it may be, ordering from fast food joints every day isn’t the way to a healthy mind and body. Like they say “eating well is the key to feeling good”, so get rid of that greasy meal and whip up some home-cooked nutritious meals.
Canada’s food guide can give you a sense of what a balanced diet looks like. Try and incorporate proteins, fats, and carbohydrates for a fully balanced nutritious meal. You could also try to add ingredients that carry higher Omega-3 content, which is known by research to be a mood booster.
3. Stay connected with loved ones and friends virtually on a regular basis
Humans crave for social interaction, and long periods of isolation have serious negative impacts on our mental health. With technology advancement, it is so easy to connect with others with the click of a button.
Be it audio or video, it is important to keep up and stay connected with your loved ones and friends. Don’t be afraid to schedule online sessions no matter the distance! Bonus: there are also free multiplayer online games for your entire party to enjoy!
4. Keep mindful with meditative apps like Headspace
We get busy and distracted thoughts every now and then. Remember to keep well and mindful especially when we’re going through such a rough time.
Good news is, there are free meditation apps like Headspace that can help you with those negative thoughts. The app is user-friendly and is easy to follow, even for beginners. The app primarily features stress and coping techniques, along with a sleep guide - all of which are short and sweet, and just enough to get your mind rested.
5. Reach out for professional help
If you’re still feeling under the weather despite the tips mentioned above, it is best to speak to a professional. Counselling during the pandemic can be difficult due to the physical distancing practices we have to maintain. However, there are virtual counselling platforms that could help combat your problems.
Written by Natasha Ng
YMHA Blog Contributer