For many of us, it's easier to be kind to others than to be kind to ourselves. We often set high expectations for ourselves and don't feel worthy of a kind word or even basic self-care. To help you stay resilient, manage stress, and improve your overall mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, here are some strategies that we use with our community. Start by treating yourself like a valued friend.
Notice when you are being unkind to yourself and instead give yourself what you would give to a friend: a hug, validation, encouragement, or a gift. Setting and achieving physical goals can divert energy away from overwhelming thoughts and result in a more energized emotional state. Exercise is also an excellent way to physically release stress and serves as a healthy reminder that you are in charge of your body. Physical activity can help your emotional health and mental well-being in several ways.
When you participate in physical activity, your brain releases hormones that act to improve your mood, helping with anxiety and depression. This can help you have a more positive outlook on life. It can also help you better connect with your emotions by seeing what other people are going through and familiarizing yourself with their stories. Many people think that emotional health and mental health are the same thing, but that's not necessarily true.
For many, a big part of being emotionally healthy is feeling and understanding their feelings enough to express them in words. Keeping a diary regularly can help if you have difficulty processing and thinking about your emotions. Disconnecting from technology and taking time for yourself can help you relax and reconnect with yourself and your emotions. Whether you're leaving home and going out into nature, or simply taking time to read a book or participate in an activity you enjoy at home, disconnecting can help reduce stress during these unprecedented times.
Volunteering your time to a cause or organization that helps others can greatly contribute to your emotional health. If you don't have anyone in your life with whom you feel comfortable talking about personal issues, such as emotions and feelings, working with a licensed therapist may be beneficial. Quality time with other people can also remind you that you're not alone, both when it comes to managing your emotional well-being and finding ways to experience joy in life. Learning how to maintain your emotional health can also go a long way toward helping your mental health.
When you're constantly on the go and feeling overwhelmed, it can be difficult to stay in touch with your emotions.
