Visit the official COVID-19 government website to stay informed: sacoronavirus.co.za
Since the 26th of March 2020 South African’s lives have changed. Isolation, uncertainty, panic over scarce resources and information overload could be a recipe for negative thoughts and unchecked emotions. You might have experienced irritability, frustration, being unhappy with your daily routine, isolation, a feeling of no one hears you or even anxiousness.When you feel that the current situation gets to you of that you are feeling down, you have two options:
• Keep doing what you are doing, or
• Do something to try and pick yourself up
At times option B is not easy and it might be hard to think of ways to pick yourself up. That is why I have made a list of things you can do when you are not feeling your best to get a smile back on your face.
Reframe I am stuck” to “I can focus on my home and self”
Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling stuck or trapped may stress you out more. Use this time productively and focus on your home. Finally sort out that cupboard, paint the wall or do some gardening. With this lockdown is a chance to slow down and focus on yourself. See this lockdown period as an opportunity to shift your attention from the external to the internal. For example, reflection on your personal goals, focusing on positives elf talk and being mindful.
Dwell on inspirational words
Words can either build you up or bring you down. Search for quotes, a thought of the day, a famous speech or bible verse that inspires you. Or read an inspiring or thoughtful book.
Be kind to yourself
At times we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves. It may be beneficial to aspire greatness, but at times you need to take a break. Sometimes you need to sit back, spoil yourself, reflect and be grateful for the good things that are in your life right now.
So, when lockdown does get to you why not try to make a list of the things you are grateful for. Focus on the things you do have instead of what you do not have.
HELOISE GEVERS
Be aware of what you surround yourself with
Constantly reading the news can be stress-inducing. Bad news is often used as a tool to drive up ratings and brings in more advertising opportunities. Fake news is also often found on social media. It may be helpful to be mindful of what you are exposing yourself to. How much time do you spend on social media? So often, we are bombarded with “perfect” on social media, perfect relationships, perfect houses, perfect outfits, perfect bodies, the list goes on. This might cause us to compare ourselves and may leave us feeling not good enough.
Sometimes it is okay to not be okay and to not have it all together. We all have ups and downs.
Be productive
This is an easy way to take your mind of negative thoughts: do some work. Doing work may help you feel productive. This can be your job, chores around the house or a project.
Take deep breaths
Take a few minutes and focus on your breathing. Take long, slow breaths. It may not sound like much but focusing on your breathing can make a difference.
Spend time with animals
Pets are smart and can often sense when we are sad. Try to spend some time around animals and see how your stress melts away.
Exercise
Exercises can be a good way to pick yourself up when you are feeling down. You can go outside, go for a walk, or ride your bike. Get up and get moving.
Eat something healthy
People tend to eat junk food when they experience negative emotions. Do the opposite and your body will thank you. Healthy snacks such as fruits, nuts and seeds can help you feel better and fill your body with nutrients. But don't forget to spoil yourself every now and then; a moderate amount of chocolate has shown to release happy hormones and cheese helps to lower our stress hormones.
Laugh
We tend to take life too seriously at times. Pick yourself up by watching one of your favourite funny shows, movies, or online videos.
Reach out
Reach out to others. Take this time to connect with people that are important to you. Also, helping others can have a positive emotional effect on you. If your emotions become unmanageable, speak to someone that can help. There are many professionals offering telehealth as an option.
