My thoughts on being mentally aware and healthy during these tough times.

I believe the most important lesson I’ve learned during this time is never to stay idle. I got the chance to work from home but unfortunately sprained my neck and so had to take a break from work to recover. There’s a saying that “the devil finds work for idle hands”, but there wasn’t even much work for him to give me in these times. It is in times like this that the mind can take over and it can be very difficult to pull yourself out of that dark place. 

For those who struggle with anxiety and/or depression and other mental issues, our minds take over, running into overdrive. This is the perfect time to slip back and wallow in your unhealthy thoughts. (Not that it’s a good thing). Will this ever end?, What if I lose my job, a loved one? Most companies aren’t hiring, how am I going to make it through these tough times without a job?, Schools are closed, the woman who cooks food to sell at the canteen is out of work now. If the virus doesn’t kill me, poverty will., etc. We are all affected in one way or another. 

And when this situation is over, it’s going to be more difficult than ever to pull yourself back together, out of that dark place. Be mindful of the unhealthy addictions you can develop within his time, including your thought patterns. Don’t allow it. I know, it’s always easier said than done, I’ve been there. But a good solution is to never stay idle. Instead, take an online course, get that instrument out of the corner and finally learn how to play it, compose a song, create that masterpiece, put that job application together. If you’re blessed to be around your family, get closer. Drop the gadgets and connect. Mend broken relationships. This is the perfect time to network on LinkedIn, a lot of professionals have got more time on their hands. Take advantage and build a lasting connection. Pay attention to your thoughts; think about what you’re thinking. Identify your triggers and stay away from them. It’s not easy, but it’s harder to come back up once you fall in. 

I will end with a lesson I learned from the famous Yin-Yang symbol. (Also known as the Tai Chi symbol). “In every good, there’s always is a little bad, and in every bad, there’s always a little good.” Take a look at the symbol, and always remind yourself of that tiny white spot in the black area. And know that you can make something good out of all this. 

I hope I reach out to that one person who needs to hear this. Mental health can be difficult to open up about, stay strong. May God be with us all. Stay safe! ????

#mentalhealth #coronavirus #covid19