Below are my top tips for maintaining optimal mental health during these times.
1. PUT THE PHONE AWAY!
Even for just a couple of hours! Avoid aimlessly scrolling through your social media. Don't try to find your daily pleasures of following the latest trends on Instagram/Tiktok/Facebook etc. Whilst devices are great if you are alone for keeping in touch with friends and family, find some time where you can put the phone away and enjoy some 'me' time.
Below you can see my screen time during the first week of self-isolation. Clearly I was using my phone too much. This week, I will be aiming to cut the screen time in half. These statistics are readily available on your phones.
2. Exercise
Aim for 30 minutes per day. There are a range of resources online. My favourite is Joe Wicks' PE workout, which is great for all abilities. You will feel a lot better after it, trust me!
3. Learn a new skill
Find some time to practice an old skill or learn a new skill. This could be anything from learning a new language, playing a musical instrument or learning some magic tricks. I've recently started to learn how to read and write Thai.
4. Self-Care
Don't be tempted to sleep all day as this will disrupt your circadian rhythm (psychology students will know!) and can have a damaging impact on your mental and physical well-being. Be sure to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, ensuring that you are not ordering KFC, McDonald's or other fast food establishments every day. Eat enough fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated. Furthermore, it might be a good idea to find some time to get out in the sun. I don't mean by going outside and mixing with the crowds that are not practising social distancing, but if you have a balcony or a garden, allow your body to soak up the rays from the sun to stimulate vitamin D production. Also, you can get some vitamin D from foods such as tuna and salmon. Dr John Campbell explains the link between vitamin D and immunity below in his video.
Don't be tempted to sleep all day as this will disrupt your circadian rhythm (psychology students will know!) and can have a damaging impact on your mental and physical well-being. Be sure to maintain a healthy and balanced diet, ensuring that you are not ordering KFC, McDonald's or other fast food establishments every day. Eat enough fruit and vegetables and drink plenty of water each day to stay hydrated. Furthermore, it might be a good idea to find some time to get out in the sun. I don't mean by going outside and mixing with the crowds that are not practising social distancing, but if you have a balcony or a garden, allow your body to soak up the rays from the sun to stimulate vitamin D production. Also, you can get some vitamin D from foods such as tuna and salmon. Dr John Campbell explains the link between vitamin D and immunity below in his video.
5. Check up on your family and friends
Whilst I said it is important to put your phone away in #1, it's also important to maintain contact with friends and family, particularly your elderly relatives or people who live alone. Whether that consists of a few short messages or a particularly lengthy phone call, I can tell you from my own view that both are appreciated.
6. Meditation
Meditation is a fantastic way to calm your body if you feel anxious during these times. There are a range of resources available on the internet (or on your phone via the Calm app) which will help make you feel relaxed and ready to take on the day ahead.
Awesome!!!!Started following your ideas.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your smart tips.
ReplyDelete