Five tips for maintaining mental health during quarantine :
1. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS
Mindfulness is an act of being in the "now". Be aware of what you are doing. Stop thinking about your past and worrying about your future... BE IN THE PRESENT. Focus on what you're doing. Multi-tasking is overrated! If you're listening to someone, focus all energies in listening, listening to understand, not just to respond! Savor the food that you are eating. Remember our ancestors telling us to chew 20 times etc.? The whole idea was not the number of times we chew, but the fact that we would be focused on the food if we're counting. Avoid reading/TV/Phone while eating. This will also ensure you don't overeat (Calories still matter- quarantine or not!!!) Enjoy the process- whatever you're doing. Focus on what is happening RIGHT NOW.
2. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
When we're in stressful situations, what brings us down is not the situation but the lack of perspective, losing the ability to view all the good that's happening in our lives. Hence, begin today,…. instead, start NOW! Make a list of things you are grateful for. Have a gratitude journal and review it the first thing every morning. Begin the day on a positive note. Read it aloud or even better, write it down each day. (Past Writing down is more useful) "THANK YOU" is a magical word. Say it as often as you can and MEAN it & FEEL it every time you say it. Practicing gratitude indirectly adds up to being "mindfully optimistic" throughout the day. Also, it ensures the blessings keep flowing in. No one would want to extend a hand to an ungrateful person. Make it a habit.
3. EXCERCISE
Well, News Alert!!! Exercise doesn't just mean going to the gym or going for a run! Practice being more active. • Dance to your favorites tune • Expose yourself to sunlight, and fresh air by just stepping out in your balcony (Did you know decreased sun exposure has been associated with a drop in your serotonin levels, which can lead to significant depression?) • Do bodyweight workouts • Just climb the stairs if you have access to it. (Maintaining social distancing of course) Do whatever you love, which can keep you active! (Fit mind resides in a fit body)
4. MEDITATE
When I say Meditate – don't picture yourself sitting in a lotus position or chanting any mantras. Meditation is merely sitting or standing or lying still;, it's essential to be physically always so that you can make even your mind. Stop the thoughts running at 1000 mph and give the essential part of your body a break! An excellent way to meditate is by practicing deep breathing... try to breathe slowly n steadily. Focus your mind on one positive thought. E.g., think about a happy moment n try to relieve it. Alternatively, Plug in your headphones. Listen to a soothing music / binaural beats etc.
5. FAKE/FORCE A SMILE
This is one of my favorite methods to get myself happy and has worked with most of the time.
Smiling is a general universal sign of being happy.
Numerous studies are showing that forcing a smile will help trigger more happy thoughts or feel satisfied... Fake smiling will trigger your mind to be happy and others around you too.
Adding to this, if you can connect your smile to a happy memory, it will work even better.. And always remember... you have to be mentally healthy to be physically fit and vice versa.
Stay Safe Stay Sane Stay Strong!!! We're all in this together.
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