A barrage of distressing news and statistics, as well as unprecedented challenges at home and in the workplace, it is only natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious and stressed. It is normal but also imperative to focus on your mental well-being.

Here are a few ways to manage and maintain mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Establish a routine
Establish a routine that incorporates your physical, spiritual and emotional-mental well-being.
Incorporate prayer and meditation into your day, physical exercise, read a book, stay in touch with other people, or try something new.

Focus on what you can control
Physical action (control) will give mental control, overpowering fear.
Many of the most fruitful techniques for coping with uncertainty involve a similar move: they are ways to refocus your attention away from your runaway fantasies. If you’re confined to your home at the moment, giving yourself some structure by drawing up an approximate schedule can reconnect you to the texture of the day.

Use positive language
Afridi suggested using positive language to express or frame your experience.
At times of stress and uncertainty, it is easy to panic and become irrational, making decisions that may not in of our best interest. To defeat Covid-19, it is essential to remain positive, optimistic and collaborative; choosing to be happy will support all of that.

Limit your news intake
Feed your brain by focusing on productive actions or learning something new.
You should at least be aware that coronavirus is currently an issue, and know where it’s showing up in relation to you. However, there is such a thing as too much news, and constantly reading coronavirus update stories isn’t going to help your anxiety levels.

Re-purpose your space
Re-purposing your space from stark and cluttered to clean and soothing.
One of the first issues with working from home is making a home office.
Experts say your office shouldn’t be your bedroom, if possible. If your space won’t allow that, packing up the day’s workstation — like you would pack up your stuff at the end of the day at the office — can help your brain distinguish between work time and off time.

Read more

5 ways to manage your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic by Shaistha Khan
5 Ways to Guard Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak by By Seth J. Gillihan, PhD
5 Ways to Manage Your Mental Health During COVID-19 by Kate Hagadone, PhD, LP

Images: Getty Images / CC
Publication date: 2020

Independent media and does not necessarily represent the view or opinion of arab.org

Do good & feel good for free – you click, we donate
Find out more about nonprofits from the Arab World