It’s fine; we’re fine; everything is fine, right? Maybe not. But that’s okay. You don’t have to be put together every hour of every day. You are doing a great job by taking this in stride. If you are having a hard time holding on to positivity, here are a few ways you can get a little bump in the right direction.
- Talk about your feelings.
Telling somebody that you are sad can take some of the sadness away; and sharing joy will add more joy.
- Keep active.
Exercise keeps the brain and body healthy and can help improve your mood. Many fitness influencers are offering free downloadable programs for people to do at home.
- Eat well.
What we eat has a big impact on how we feel – mentally as well as physically. When you put in an order for groceries, or go to the supermarket, make sure to grab one or two vegetables and be deliberate about how you prepare them. If you have been placed in a situation where you need assistance getting food, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. – they can help you’re your financial, medical and legal needs.
- Avoid alcohol.
Alcohol is a depressant; we drink alcohol to change our mood. Drinking a lot can harm your brain and lead to depression. It may make you feel better short-term; but when the drink wears off, you feel worse and are more likely to get the blues. Also, alcohol is prohibited to buy at the moment.
- Stay in touch.
There’s nothing better than catching up with friends and family, try to invest your time in people you care about. Give them a call or chat to them online. Communicate more – conversation can solve most problems.
- Get help/advice.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness – it is a way of staying strong. Help to create a culture where asking for help is encouraged. As well as family and friends, there are local services put in place to help you – remember, everyone needs a little help from time to time. If you feel you need help, call Mental Health Foundation on their toll-free number – 311.
- Take time for you.
A change of pace is good for your mental health. It could be as simple as five minutes to yourself to de-stress you. A new environment may distract you from how bad you feel and make you focus on something else. You are still allowed to be outside, with limits. Come out onto your balcony as often as possible and maybe take strolls around your yard. If you decide to walk through your neighbourhood, please remain close to home and carry an ID; wear a protective mask and remain six feet apart from anyone you encounter.
- Do things you’re good at.
If it makes you feel happy and you enjoy doing it, then make time for this activity – even if it is only to boost your self-esteem. Enjoying yourself can help beat stress; think of something you love doing now or loved doing in the past
- Accept yourself.
For many people, self-acceptance is hard to come by on a good day, but when you have had a bad day, your self-acceptance is in shreds. It’s normal to feel like this. Learn to accept that you’re unique, work on your strengths and be kind to yourself.
- Care for others.
Caring for others is what brings relationships closer together. Whether it’s a family member or an animal, taking time out to think of others can be a good distraction.
