With all the turmoil that’s happening around the world right now…what can you do to not only survive but thrive during times where it seems like the world has effectively grinded to a halt?
Today we share 3 key pieces of advice for you to make the most out of this time (and stay sane) where you may be either working from home or temporarily unemployed.
Limit your consumption of the news and social media
You may have heard of this before but are you doing it?
This rings especially true during a time where it is so easy to get caught up in the latest fear campaign of how many people have the virus, which businesses are struggling and why you should stay afraid.
While there is value in being informed about the key developments and how it could impact you, see it as nothing but just information. There is a decreasing (and even detrimental) benefit past this point.
It is so important in any major crisis that you keep a positive mindset and this means being a gatekeeper to your own mind as difficult as it may be at first but it’s a must.
Keep moving physically (and mentally)
Even in good times you may find it hard staying physically active but when things go pear shaped like now, it is often ‘easy’ to rationalise to yourself that “I shouldn’t be outside so there’s no need to exercise” or “what’s the point?”. This is a fundamentally irrational thought for a couple of reasons.
1) We all know from studies and more importantly from our own experience that exercise clears the mind and helps us through difficult emotions. The more you move, the better you feel. Try it!
2) Given you now have time and the flexibility during the day, you have almost no excuse.
There is no need to do a full blown workout like a fitness junkie. A simple jog or walk around your block, around the park or along the coast will often have an immediate positive impact on your mindset. Any regular physical movement which keeps you healthy and out of your head is something that we cannot recommend highly enough.
Stay in contact with family and friends
Just because you may be in self-isolation or social distancing, it doesn’t mean you can’t stay connected to the people you care about. All it takes is a simple call and with technology these days, you can even chat over video. We highly encourage you to try it.
And if you are ‘down in the dumps’, this will be a difficult thing to do as the last thing you may feel like doing is talking to people. However, it is during these times that it is even more important to talk to someone even if it is just a short conversation. We are all social creatures (that means the introverts also), and connecting with people whether it is a loved one or a psychologist helps keep us out of our head and feel like we are not alone because you aren’t.
If you found these tips helpful and valuable, share it with your friends, family and colleagues.
To learn more about the mental health services provided by our caring and experienced team of Psychologists, pop over and visit us at http://www.logicloungepsychology.com.au/.
