Every October 10 is World Mental Health Day, reminding people to take care of their minds as well as their bodies. Taking care of your mental health means being aware of your emotions so that you can catch the early signs of a mental health issue. The COVID-19 pandemic has made a lot of people feel emotions that are typically associated with mental health problems, including the following:
- Depression
- Feelings of isolation
- Loneliness
- Sense of loss
To improve mental health it is essential to address these feelings instead of trying to just work through them. It is recommended that you talk to someone about these feelings before they develop into something more serious. It’s equally important to talk to people you care about to make sure they are not suffering from these negative emotions, particularly as we move into winter in the northern hemisphere.
In addition to talking about your emotions, there are some other things you can do to help improve your mental health.
- Mediate for at least one minute a day; this could also be a good break from work or looking at screens.
- Participate in something you love or are passionate about, like cooking, chatting with family/friends, or making something with your hands. It would be a good idea to make it a craft or hobby that will give your eyes a break from a screen.
- Take the time to exercise, whether it is going for a walk, doing yoga, or some other physical activity that will raise your heart rate and stretch your body.
The article includes details about who to contact if you live in western New York State, but you can find sites with similar information in your area by searching online. If you would like to read the full article, you can access it at Resources to Help with Your Mental Health.