These exercises and activities help to boost your mental health. We would not be wrong in saying that we live in an overstimulated world and taking care of one’s mental health has been a struggle for most. The Coronavirus pandemic has affected and is continuing to affect many. These are some recommended activities and exercises that are sure to help you.
Meditation: You probably have heard this before and be ready to hear it again. Your brain and mind are overfed with information and stimulation probably from social media and various other activities that you engage with. The mind needs to rest! Start slow and small. You can gradually increase the quantum. There are a lot of videos online that help you concentrate. There are apps too that help you in the process. Our favourites are Calm and Headspace. They both have free and paid versions. We suggest if there is anything that can reduce your stress, invest in it! You will do great in the long run.
The Worry Tree: We may spend a lot of time worrying. The worry tree helps us deal with Type 1 worries which are the worrying thoughts that seem to happen all the time. These worries are often based on hypothetical situations and current worries. Check the below given diagram and find your way out of the maze.
5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique: This exercise helps with anxiety or during panic attacks. You need to practice it daily for it to actually help you during times of stress and panic attacks. Pay attention to your breathing, Follow these steps, 5: Acknowledge FIVE things you see around you. It can be the ceiling, a pen, chair or anything else. 4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can touch around you. Your feet on the ground, your blanket or anything else. 3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. Any exterior noise or maybe the rumbling of your stomach. 2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. You can rub your hands together and smell it or take a brief walk and smell a perfume or soap. 1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste. Some practitioners also like to switch it with one positive thought that you can think of.
Physical exercise: The importance of physical exercise can not be undermined. A high intensity workout can work wonders. No, you don’t necessarily need to go to a gym session. It can be anything. A lot of professionals recommend dancing or playing any sport as a substitute too. Physical health has a lot of impact on one’s mental health too. An active body really keeps mental health in check too. You can try yoga too.
Conscious Walking/Running: Running or walking helps to reduce mental tension. Try avoiding any form of music and try to be with yourself throughout the activity. Physical activities increase the concentration of norepinephrine (a chemical that helps the brain respond to stress) in your body. It can prevent cognitive decline that usually begins by the age of 45. It is also known to increase productivity and creativity. Definitely worth a shot.
Note: All these are recommendations. You are free to personalise them to whatever suits you the best. We recommend you seeing a professional if you are not feeling well for a long period of time or if you have encountered any traumatic incident. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be “No”. Hence, seek help.