So, has anyone gone crazy yet from the COVID-19 pandemic?
If not, I’m sure from the police brutality on black lives. Either way, it is always a good idea to check in on your mental health. Don’t stress it though - that is what your girl, AJ, is here for.
I am going to give you 5 tips you can use to help you distress and regroup and help maintain the little mind we all have left during this crazy time.
But, before I give you my opinion of what will help, I know some of you would like facts from a valid source? According to the cdc.gov, here are five easy steps you can take and repeat daily to help maintain sanity during this time.
1. Take deep breaths, stretch, or meditate
2. Try to eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
3. Exercise regularly
4. Get plenty of sleep.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol and drug use.
I must say I agree with these tips as you are only as strong as your mental and physical health. By exercising you strengthen your heart and improve your circulation, which increases blood flow and raises the oxygen levels in your body. Exercise will also help lower your risk of heart diseases such as high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and heart attack. Exercising also releases endorphins, dopamine, nor-epinephrine, and serotonin which help put you in a happier mood and regulate your moods.
Meditating helps you gain new perspective on stressful situations, build skills to manage your stress levels, increases self-awareness, helps you reduce negative emotions, increases imagination and creativity and increases patience and tolerance. And you guys already know what a difference a good night sleep can do as well as eating healthier.
Lastly, what I would suggest along with these great tips is to communicate your feelings out loud with friends/family or in a journal. Its important to voice how you are feeling during this pandemic. I am a strong advocate for voicing your feelings in a healthy way and not holding them inside. If you aren’t sure who you can trust or feel comfortable to talk to, keeping a journal is a great way to let everything out. However, if you are comfortable to discuss with others, but maybe done know how or where to start, try entering the conversation by asking your loved one how they are feeling during this time, try to get them to really open up and express their emotions.
By asking them how they feel it will help you express how you feel as well, and more often than none, you may be feeling similar emotions, which can help bridge the conversation even more.
If you still feel in a funk after these tips, I suggest getting involved in movement, be the change you want to see. Find out how you can be a part of the change by getting involved in Black Lives Matter, or UNICEP USA. Find a cause that is trying to help find an answer to this pandemic and justice to the lives we lost and continue to lose each day. By helping and getting involved you are in a sense taking control back and being apart of making the future a better place for our future generations.
Last but certainly not least, something I strongly believe in and have done since I was little if. Prayer. I know God hears prayers, and I know he will have the final say as he has already declared victory. It may not seem like he hears us, but don’t let your faith draw weary, God IS ABLE and will heal and guide you during this tough time. Don’t give up, for darkness doesn’t last always and Joy always comes in the morning. 😊
More About This Week's Guest Writer
Ajahana Hall is a Public Relations and Multimedia Communications professional, content creator and a proud mother. She shares relatable and authentic advice.
For more content by AJ, check out her podcast - Real, Raw, and Uncut With Ajahana Hall!
Thanks again to Ajahana for sharing with us. Let us know how applying these quick tips change and improve your mental health!
Until next time,
Uncover Knowledge That Lasts
The IA Team
