Table of Contents
Many see 2023 as a truly disturbing year: terrifying successive news about the Coronavirus, restrictions on communication that prevented life normally, fear of infection or loss of work, no trips, no going out, no visits to restaurants and cafes, no parties, no cinema, no attending football matches. Football and other popular sporting events – a new, boring life devoid of fun, in addition to this season of the year and the cold and rainy weather in many countries, where the days are short and the sun disappears behind the clouds. All this affects mental health.
1. Live In The Moment
The situation is like this. Continuing to complain and complain will not change him. Living in constant fear of infection, losing a job, or being alone, will not help.
We are often chasing something new and striving to get it. We want to change our situation. Although we have many things that we can enjoy and not realize their value unless we pay attention to their existence. This is an opportunity in the time of Corona and the isolation it imposed to look at what we have, whether in terms of family, relationships, or property.
2. Think positive
Thinking positively is an important thing that we read about constantly, and there are even studies indicating that an optimistic outlook on life raises the average life expectancy by 15 percent.
For the difficulty of thinking positively during this difficult period, here is this practical advice: Try every evening to remember three positive things that happened to you during the day: Beautiful moments that bring happiness and we do not usually pay attention to them. Bring it up, such as a nice short conversation, a positive piece of news you received or read, something that you succeeded in achieving after many attempts, etc.
3. Don’t forget to take a break
Relax a bit from the disturbing news, and stay away for a short or long period that you estimate according to your need, from Corona news completely and from the discussions about it on the communication sites. And also stay away from every person who increases your frustration through his constant pessimism or cynicism. Instead, nurture a relationship with optimists or those who lift your spirits.
4. Stay organized
The Corona crisis changed our lives and turned them upside down. Before Corona, we were constantly criticizing this routine that runs our lives, the dates of starting work or studies, and the dates of meetings. We dreamed of more freedom and flexibility in our day. But beware! Without this daily organization, you can lose a lot and get things out of your control.
Maintain your bedtime, wake-up, and work schedule, even if you work from home, for example. And also to communicate (virtually) with others.
5. Movement is essential
Lack of movement is very bad for mental health. This isn’t just for regular athletes who struggle if they stop, it’s for everyone. Before the Corona pandemic, we used to move in our usual lives more than now, whether on the way to work, university, shopping, or other daily needs that we spend. It’s all movement.
And now, in the time of closure, perhaps all or some of that has stopped. Each of us knows the sport that suits us and the type of movement that is best for us, whether it is running, walking, cycling, and so on.
6. An opportunity to enjoy nature more
Autumn colors, flocks of migratory birds, and the wind. Every walk we take in the bosom of nature is a beautiful opportunity for us. Half an hour is good. An hour and a half are better.
Take advantage of the sun’s rays. But what if it rains or there is a storm? A German proverb says: There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothes! No matter the weather, don’t give up on walking outdoors and enjoying nature
Movement in the open air and the bosom of nature improves your mood and relieves you of stress and worries, even if only slightly because it lowers the level of cortisol in the blood, which is the hormone that increases stress. Then your focus will improve and your productivity will increase.
7. Pamper your body and soul
Not eating chocolate and crackers, although tempting sometimes, but take advantage of the opportunity for healthy nutrition and eat more fruits and vegetables than you were used to previously, in addition to fresh juices. I also invite you to more moments of relaxation for the body and soul, especially in these times, as they make you feel better. Create your cozy atmosphere: light candles instead of a ceiling lamp. Music instead of the sound of the washing machine. Bath in the hot tub with herbs.
8. Surprise yourself
In the absence of friends’ visits, trips, going to restaurants or cafes, and attending concerts and sports matches, our lives have become small and boring due to the measures taken to confront the Corona pandemic. But we need an alternative to entertain ourselves. It’s okay if you don’t succeed in preparing the meal the first time, try again
What about cooking? Try new cooking recipes, even if it doesn’t work and the food isn’t delicious. Next time will be better. It’s an opportunity to find a new playlist to enjoy and catch up on a new series or program. Now you have time to find out.
9. Make your life more beautiful!
Many people feel in the spring the desire to rearrange the house and change some things, perhaps with new décor or new paint. But why not take advantage of the fall to do just that? Now there is probably more time. A tidy and clean house, perhaps with new paint and colors, makes the residence more beautiful. Cleaning removes and reduces stress, according to several studies.
Even though it is hard to give up, it is better to do it. It is more useful here to collect the things that we have of a certain type, such as clothes, for example, and collect them in one pile to see the quantity that we have. Then we will know what we need and wear, and what we will never wear. It becomes easier to give up.
10. Start something new
“If I had more time, I would do this” is a phrase we often repeat to pursue a new hobby or learn something new. There is finally time: How about learning a new language, painting or music, doing yoga or socializing with the help of elderly neighbors, or helping children understand study material via video?
