Being Mentally Fit is as Important as Being Physically Fit

The coronavirus pandemic is shaping the way we see things. People have lost their jobs, got displaced from their original homes, and even got separated from their families and friends. This pandemic is affecting our mental health in lots of ways. And as opposed to certain beliefs, keeping yourself well-groomed and attractive is not the only way to take care of yourself. Being mentally fit is as important as being physically fit, too. 

Since not all of us have access to mental health care services, it’s harder to reach out. If you’re looking for advices on how to stay mentally fit amid the pandemic, here are some tips to heed:

1. Spend time conversing with someone.

This doesn’t sound easy if you’re an introvert, but having someone to talk to and laugh with helps out in many ways. Speaking with your family and friends can help ground you when your head is clouded with negative thoughts. Keep a habit of reaching out to family members and friends you trust every once in a while. This will let other people know of your condition as well. You don’t have to bear it all alone.

2. Stay active.

Keeping yourself active through routine exercises is another way of keeping your mental health safe. In fact, a study done by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered that running for as little as 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour lessens the risk of major depression by a whopping 26%. Keeping yourself active prevents possible relapses too. There are lots of free fitness classes out there if it’s difficult to go outside. Trying one or two routines daily will help you break free from anxiety and stress.

3. Shun unhealthy eating habits.

Are you a junk food fanatic? You might as well cut back on that. Unhealthy snacks like junk foods and alcohol will do your body more harm than good. Researchers found that poor diets can worsen mood disorders like depression and anxiety. So, shifting from heavily processed foods to healthy vegetables is a great step in keeping yourself mentally fit.

4. Read books.

Now that we have extra time, try reading some of your left-on-the-shelf books. A study by the University of Sussex, mentioned by the University of Minnesota in a blog, found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. It has been proven to work better and faster than other relaxation methods, like listening to music or sipping a cup of hot tea. If you want to run away from reality for a bit to ease your mind, reading a book is the best way.

5. Make time for yourself.

Every day, take half an hour or so and scribble down your thoughts in a paper. Keep track of how you feel to see how you have been behaving the past days/weeks. You can also try breathing exercises to keep yourself composed. Allowing yourself to exhale those stress away every once in a while will work wonders in your mental health. And while you meditate, shy away from gadgets, and other things that can disrupt your focus. 

Always bear in mind that in order to work and function properly, you must take care of your mental health, too. It’s one of the most important aspects of self improvement. Remember, your personal growth is crucial to your career. So, don’t be afraid to reach out to a friend or a family when needed. You don’t have to face this alone. If you need someone to talk to, the National Center for Mental Health Philippines is offering free consultation services this COVID-19. Just contact 0917-899-USAP (8727) o 989-USAP (8727).

Photo by Finn on Unsplash