Mental Health: Staying Healthy During the Pandemic and Beyond

Author:
Hanna Janols
Hanna JanolsProduction Manager
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May is mental health awareness month. 

Health and wellness is important to everyone more than ever — especially these days. Below are tips that I find helpful to keep up with overall mental and physical health.  

Throughout the pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about mental health related topics and how many have been affected in some way during this time. The vast majority of people have gone through major changes in their reality over the last few years - from leaving offices and adjusting to a remote work environment, to managing the expectations of virtual learning for children. This has been stressful and difficult for so many, and this shift can trigger changes in your mood and performance. Especially so if you are living by yourself and don’t have family around you at home - but even having family around can be stressful, as it may be difficult to focus on your work and get it done. 

This has of course had an impact on so many, young and old, and we all know someone. Let’s all take a moment to remember all the dear ones that have been lost. 

According to a study conducted by Boston College researchers, reports of anxiety increased to 50 percent and depression to 44 percent by November 2020 - those rates are 6 times higher than early 2019 - according to a new report in the journal Translational Behavioral Medicine.

I want this to be about awareness, so let's focus on what we can do to counter the risks of suffering from a mental health related illness. I’m all for positivity but it's also important to see and understand that many have suffered during the extraordinary time we all have experienced.

So what can you do to reduce anxiety and stress? Here is a list of 10 things:

  1. Get more physical activity such as walking, biking, running, yoga etc. 
  2. Eat healthy 
  3. Get sufficient sleep
  4. Minimize screen time 
  5. Practice self care - take a bath, light a candle, read a good book, outdoor activities etc.
  6. If you drink coffee, it may be a good idea to reduce caffeine intake or switch to tea
  7. Reach out to friends and family and spend time with them
  8. Learn to say no
  9. Avoid procrastination and learn time management
  10. Spend time with your pet 

If not listed, what is your go-to for reducing stress and anxiety? 

 

Please see our other blog posts about health and wellness related blog posts here.