3 ways to maintain mental health in quarantine
The world is going through a very difficult phase. And the most irritating thing is that we seldom have adequate company to share this with. And it is possible that a considerable population in quarantine, feel a bit low and depressed during the time. Whether the ill-effect during this short phase influences the rest of our social life is a topic for another day. But, for the time being, let us go through 3 simple ways to maintain our mental health and stay psychologically fit during our days in quarantine.
1. Exercise on a daily basis
Staying physically fit is the best possible way to maintain your mental health. It needn’t be weight training or even muscle building exercises- in fact, the best option is to go for aerobic exercises like a 30-min run in the treadmill or some quality time with a jump rope. Somehow sweat a bit to deceive your body into thinking that it is active. You can have added benefits if you opt for engaging activities like gardening. If you are new to this routine, start slow. Don’t go all John Cena on the very first day. Remember, consistency is the key. If you think it helps, you can try out some fitness apps available in the play store and apple store. (For your kind information, installing the application alone won't build muscles)
2. Let your brain learn something new
Take a break from your normal routine and force your brain into learning something new. Even if you spend a lot of time for mentally stimulating activities like playing chess or solving crossword puzzles, just find something new to meddle with your brain. Take up a new hobby like playing an instrument or painting with your hands (better to steer clear of the cliché ones like reading or writing). You might soon come to grow tired of that activity, then try something new, something more interesting. Try out the things that you always wanted to, but never had the time- cook a meal for your family, make a home-made hoverboard, start a podcast, do the things that excite you and keep you engaged. Reading an academic textbook or watching a documentary doesn’t come under this classification. Just do things that are original and interesting. (I strongly recommend consulting ROB from Pogo)
3. Catch up on your old friends
This is the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your old friends. No matter wherever they are, they are probably sitting idle on a comfy cushion. Surprise them with a call out of the blue or an anonymous voice message. This will keep your social life active even when in isolation. Share your thoughts on the current situation- but always remember to be optimistic and positive. Share a laugh or two, remind them of the times you were together, ask them about their family, tighten your bond with them. And if everything goes as planned, when this cloud passes, you probably would have earned a lot more friends than before. You can also use social media platforms to befriend like-minded people, to discuss topics that interest you and simply create the illusion of social proximity.
In case you feel very depressed or over-anxious, contact a trained psychotherapist or counselor without delay. There may not be contagious corona like viruses capable of infiltrating our mind. But there sure are stuff like depression, anxiety, stress-related difficulties and suicidal tendencies that can be even more dangerous.
