We may be nearing the end of the pandemic, but that does not mean the lingering mental health struggles of many of us have ended. Not by a long shot.
This past year presented struggles for many individuals across the globe. Lost jobs, lost houses, and even the loss of friends and loved ones due to the coronavirus has caused mental health concerns to skyrocket, more so than ever before.
So what can we do?
The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Many of us are feeling the same confusing emotional cocktail of stress and frustration. Be open about your emotions, talk to friends and family, and don’t hide how you feel.
If that’s not enough, that’s okay. Here are great free ways to help manage your stress and anxiety, and prioritize you and your mental health.
Get Some Exercise!
It is scientifically proven that exercise can have significant benefits on a person’s mental health. Exercise, in any form, sends feel-good chemicals to the brain to remedy and ward off negative thought patterns and put a smile on your face!
Don’t worry, you don’t have to spend a fortune on a gym membership or have the latest and greatest in workout attire to reap the benefits. Even just a 5 minute walk around your block or apartment complex can do the trick. Give it a shot!
Try a Podcast.
It seems like there is a podcast for everything these days. And mental health support is no exception. The beauty about this tip is you can do it anywhere! At any time! Heck, you even pair it with going for a walk!
It can be a little intimidating trying to pick one, so we have gone ahead and selected a few of our favorite to make it a little easier for you.
The Positive Psychology Podcast
The Hilarious World of Depression
Break up the Monotony.
Even though vaccinations are readily available and many have completed the process, we are still being encouraged to social distance. For many of us, this means staying home and doing the same old thing day in and day out.
Why not try something new? There are endless possibilities of new hobbies and experiences you can try at home for next to nothing.
Remember, boredom and anxiety typically go hand in hand so keep that boredom at bay!
Talk to Someone.
Some times talking to a professional without the fear of being judged can be the best remedy for someone’s mental health. Unfortunately, counseling can be quite expensive and, due to the pandemic, many people have lost their jobs and may lack the means to pay for such services.
Luckily, there are free or low cost options available, even at YDI.
If we aren’t able to help, there are many more resources and other agencies that might be able to help.
Manzanita Counseling Center at the University of New Mexico
Meditate.
The term meditation can be scary! But don’t worry, meditation is just a fancy word for deep breathing and relaxation with little to no environmental distractions. Everyone does it a little differently. There are no rules, only suggestions.
You can sit, you can stand, you can lay down, you can listen to music, have no music, close your eyes, or keep them open. Whatever you want!
Give it a try!
We appreciate you taking the time to read our blog, and we hope it helped. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us here.
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