COVID-19 AND MENTAL BREAKDOWNS

COVID-19 has affected all sectors. Nothing is safe from its negative economic effects. Like all other significant negative processes globally, the current pandemic provokes an increase in anxiety, distress, and other reactive states in people. In this article will discuss some effects of COVID-19 on people’s minds and how to overcome them. So let’s discuss them in detail:

COVID-19 AND MENTAL BREAKDOWNS 

These are some effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of the people:

FEAR AND WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN HEALTH

With the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic to an increasing number of countries worldwide, people are beginning to experience a heightened fear of anxiety and anxiety. This applies to both the general population and specific groups of citizens, such as older people, health care providers, and people with underlying health problems.

The head of WHO recalled that about 1 billion people in the world live with mental disorders of varying severity. Experts warned that a crisis of mental illness was approaching the world back in May. Isolation, fear, uncertainty, economic upheaval – they all proved a cause of psychological stress.

However, people are more worried about their health because the situation is aggravated by the fact that no one knows when the pandemic will end. Whether or not there will be new waves of coronavirus and how intense it may be.

CHANGES IN SLEEP OR EATING PATTERNS

Self-isolation has changed the regime of many people. It deprived them of walks in the fresh air, physical activity, and positive emotions. Telecommuters no longer need to get up early to eat breakfast, get dressed, and get to the office, let alone those who cannot work at all. As a result, people go to bed much later, and some cannot sleep.

Now, it becomes difficult for people to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle again. That is very dangerous for their health. Sleep is one of the most important processes in the body, affecting all vital systems. Lack of sleep or a disturbed regime becomes catalysts for cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, psychological disorders, and impaired immunity.

LACK OF CONCENTRATION

A lazy lifestyle affected not only the physical health of the people but also mental health. Increased daytime sleepiness is a condition in which a person experiences extreme sleepiness during the day. In addition, many people reported a significant decrease in quality of life. Some respondents were unable to return to their main work duties due to weakness, fatigue, problems with concentration, and inability to sleep.

So what to do now?

HOW TO OVERCOME MENTAL BREAKDOWNS?

I have a few solutions for you. By practicing them, you can have a healthy and active lifestyle again.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR EMOTIONAL AND MENTAL HEALTH 

Taking care of your mental health and emotional well-being is just as important as taking care of your body. Follow these things for better mental health:

• Keep active
• Drink sensibly
• Ask for help
• Eat well
• Go for walks with friends
• Do something you’re good at

TAKE BREAKS FROM WATCHING, READING, OR LISTENING TO NEWS STORIES.

These things were acceptable in isolation when you had no other activities to do. Now you have dozens of other things. I suggest these activities for people:

• Gardening
• Social interaction
• Going for a holiday
• Playing a team sport
• Have family get-togethers
• These activities will help you to come out of stress and anxiety.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY/EXERCISE 

Exercise has a multifaceted and positive impact on life quality, affecting both physical and mental health. Regular physical activity reduces anxiety symptoms and improves sleep quality. Moreover, regular exercise strengthens muscles and bones and improves the body’s metabolism. Exercise strengthens the respiratory system and supports heart health.

Regular exercise can also lower your fat and blood sugar levels. Many patients on ARV therapy have elevated levels of fat and sugar in their blood, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and diabetes.

TAKE DEEP BREATH, STRETCH OR MEDITATION 

Good nutrition, proper sleep patterns, meditation, and breathing practices, can help maintain mental health. Psychologists identify six attributes of a person who practice deep breathing and meditation:

• establish long-term relationships with people
• feel comfortable alone with oneself
• withstand and endure failures
• have a willingness to change and develop
• understand someone else’s point of view
• control their emotions

Some great apps are available that provide lots of meditation practices. But I will suggest you visit my other post regarding meditation and its type. You will get more information there.

TRY TO EAT HEALTHY, WELL-BALANCED MEALS 

A balanced diet provides the body with all the nutrients it needs, helps medication better absorption, and maintains a healthy weight. Moreover, It can also boost your immune system and save you from COVID in the future.

GET PLENTY OF SLEEP 

However, the lifestyle of “owls” and “larks” cannot always be called healthy. “Owls” use night hours for creative work. Our health depends on various factors, and one of the most important of them is considered proper rest; only then diseases and disorders will not affect us. Therefore, to maintain health and well-being for many years, you need to get enough sleep.

AVOID ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

Alcohol and drugs weaken your immune system, which means that despite treatment, you will not be as healthy as you could be. Further, alcohol and drug interaction can also have unwanted side effects and reduce your quality of life.

MAKE TIME TO UNWIND 

Have some time alone and perform such kind of activities:

• Go for a walk alone
• Coloring/painting
• Listen to music
• Do any creative work
• Think about pleasant events of past

CONNECT WITH OTHERS 

Socialization is very necessary. As I mentioned above, go for a walk with friends. You can also call friends and family at dinner. Moreover, Try to arrange some fun activities, also like playing chess, boards, and cards.

TACKLE SOME PROJECTS YOU HAVE BEEN WANTING

Take some time and perform those activities that were on your bucket list. I know COVID-19 has stopped our plans. Now it’s time to come out of the dilemma and do complete the unaccomplished tasks.

REACH OUT FOR HELP

Remember, you are not a superhero. You cannot perform all tasks on your own. Sometimes we need help. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Our friends and family members can help us to come out of this situation and start a healthy and active lifestyle once again.

CONCLUSION

To conclude, I would like to say that COVID-19 is an infectious disease, and it takes time for everyone to to adjust “to the new normal”. Talking to people close to you can be supportive during difficult times. You can follow the above points; hope they can positively affect your mental and physical health.

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