The global pandemic triggered mass uncertainty. For months, many people have been stuck at home and cut off from familiar routines. As restrictions lift, some people return to the world, and for others, it may be safer to stay inside. No matter the choice, psychiatrist David Hermiz, MD, feels everyone deserves to feel their best—even in these uncertain times.
Relieve Tension With a Decluttered Environment
Social isolation can be a hurdle for families. Arguments, complaints and pessimism may begin to rule your household. During a pandemic, there is little that you can control outside of your home, so to control your environment can provide some relief from the tension.
A relaxation-friendly space can be therapeutic, and you can start with a hands-on approach by organizing it. Begin by making a list of projects that you want to complete. Start with three projects and try to accomplish them one by one. Some ideas include:
• Cabinet organization
• Closet cleanup
• Bedroom decluttering
Fresh air in the home can provide good vibes. As Psychology Today explains, smells such as flowers and trees are natural stress reducers. Consider opening windows to allow fresh air into your home to rejuvenate the space. When locked in your home, the high levels of carbon dioxide can affect your cognitive performance. Open the window to cut the carbon dioxide levels down.
Seek Help From a Professional
Historically, people have treated distress through conversation. If you look back to 300 BC, you will find that the Socratic dialectic method encouraged group discussions as a way for people to understand their purpose. Similarly, psychotherapy involves dialogue to work through issues. If you’re uncomfortable attending in-person sessions, keep in mind that online therapy sessions are an option. A trained psychiatrist such as Dr. Hermiz deeply understands the world of medication and its impact on your wellbeing. The elements of therapy and medicine create the path for future wellbeing.
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased instances of depression and anxiety. Analysis of psychotherapy shows that treatment can improve the symptoms of these disorders. Over time, the psychological benefits increase. In addition, your relationship with your therapist can change your results. Those who have established a strong relationship and trust with their therapist may have a more effective treatment. Certain mental illnesses, such as bipolar disorder may be exacerbated during the pandemic.
Try Lifestyle Changes for Your Health
While short-term stress can help you meet deadlines or avoid danger, chronic stress can lead to chronic physical health problems. High blood pressure, heart disease, anxiety, diabetes and other health conditions have connections to high levels of stress, as pointed out by MedlinePlus. Chronic stress causes your body to remain alert, despite the lack of urgent danger.
To combat these ill-effects, make health your priority. Dietary changes can lower your stress levels and help you become healthier. Focus on foods that are high in antioxidants or vitamin B. The best way to get enough antioxidants in your diet is to increase the number of fruits and vegetables that you consume.
Guided meditation and breathing exercises may also help you to relax and decrease your stress levels. Socializing with those you care about can create an emotional support system that you need to cope with the pandemic stress.
Practice Proven Safety Tactics
Experts suggest that face masks can reduce the spread of the virus because they block the droplets that you breathe out and can filter what you breathe in. To be effective with your mask, clean your hands before you wear it and ensure that the mask fits over your nose, mouth and chin. When out in public, do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
People are recommended to remain six feet apart. This figure was determined by the SARS virus that could travel six feet, rather than the typical three feet for many viruses.
Most people have a lot of uncertainty regarding the global pandemic. Whether you can return to work and certain social events due to lifted restrictions or you are sheltering in place, you still deserve to look and feel good. Embrace these healthy habits to ensure your well-being, and remember to connect with David Hermiz if you’d like to talk.
This is a guest post from Cheryl Conklin, Wellness Central