Adapting to change is hard; it can affect your emotional, psychological, and social well-being, and all three components make up mental well-being. Amidst COVID-19 and all of the precautions in place, there is a possibility your mood and behaviour have been impacted. As we continue to abide by physical distancing and keep our social bubbles to an acceptable size, things that may have been part of our regular routine, such as interactive physical activity and group hobby meet-ups are no longer part of our weekly plan. No matter how different things are, your mental well-being should always be of importance. We have rounded-up some key, evidence-informed messages to help with positive mental well-being, despite the challenging times.
Laugh to Reduce Feelings of Sadness and Worry
Participate in laughter and humour activities, such as laughter yoga or watching a funny movie. Laughter and humour can aid you in maintaining perspective during hard times. Take for example, humour activities, they can help you identify, communicate, and value the at times inconsistent or ridiculous aspects of life in a fun way.
Maintain Positive Relationships and Connect Virtually
The pandemic and its interference in our daily lives has many of us grappling feelings of loneliness. Invite people to call you or set up a virtual conference call with family and friends to stay in touch and decrease some stress that seclusion can cause. Take advantage of social media or video chat apps to share memorable photos to maintain positive connections and relive happy moments.
Eat a Healthy Diet for Improvements in Mental Well-Being
Happy or sad, food is a go-to for celebration and comfort. While how you're feeling can impact your eating behaviours, new research shows that your diet may also have an effect on your mental well-being. In addition to the established benefits on physical health—such as reducing the risk of chronic disease—choosing what you put into your body wisely may slightly improve mood.
There’s no doubt that times have been challenging and have required adjustments to the way we live and interact. By prioritizing mental well-being activities, it will help you walk away from this historic milestone stronger and mentally well.
