How to overcome Quarantines Mental Health impact
Sitting at my desk by the window the laptop opens and The sun is shining thru. A plate of fresh sushi within reach. Why? you say. Because I deserve it. because I’ve been taking care of myself mentally. (You reach for a piece of my sushi and I slap your hand away) Oh no, you don’t get a piece. no no.
See you haven’t been taking care of yourself, That’s why you’re reading this blog. I’ve been watching you with skills endowed to me that only a star trek fan could appreciate. You’ve been sleeping in till noon, Letting your anxiety and depression get the best of you. You haven’t eaten in days. I could smell you. You haven’t showered. You’re hairs uneven. You look dusty…Bold of you to assume I’ll give you a piece of my sushi.
But it’s O.K, I’m here to help you. Today I will give you my tips on how I stay mentally healthy in quarantine. Let’s begin with creating a grateful flow.
The Grateful Flow
So my first tactic to combat depression is doing what I call A GRATEFUL FLOW. as you know it’s really easy to focus on the negative right now. In some cases people are complaining about their liberties being taken away and losing their jobs.
In extreme cases not being able to feed their children. But try to focus on the positives. I think about six to ten things that I’m grateful for. I say them out loud. For example:
- I’m thankful for sushi ( As long as it fresh)
- I’m thankful for my health ( It could be worse)
- I’m thankful for Netflix (Currently binge watching The Crown)
4. I’m thankful for my air fryer (Makes life so much easier)
5. I’m thankful to have a roof over my head (Even if it’s leaking. I have to get that fixed)
6. I’m thankful for clean water ( I could hardly taste the fluoride)
The Shower Flow
My second tactic to combating depression is taking a shower as soon as I start feeling that wave of sadness. That feeling that says you don’t want to be here anymore. YES YOU DO WANT TO BE HERE. You just don’t want to feel the pain that you’re feeling.
Some people might say “what’s the point in taking a shower if I’m not going anywhere”
Think of it in terms of what Halle Berry in the movie Monsters Ball was seeking when she begged “Make me feel good”. Make the shower your Billy Bob or Halle Berry.. Or both. Who am I to judge.
The Favorite Food Flow
My next tactic is to treat myself once a week to an affordable prepared meal, something that I don’t have the expertise to make. Like wonton soup or Shumai.
The Exercise Flow
Next tip exercise (I feel like I just lost you) come back for a sec, Go for a run, fast paced walk or hike. Shadow box in your bedroom whilst watching Billy Blanks. It won’t hurt to get your fighting skills up. You never know when you might need it to get that last roll of toilet paper at the grocery store.
Make progress! Self improvement and good mental health is what it’s all about. So get to it. My last tip to you is to practice meditation. There is no right or wrong way to meditate, it’s up to you
The Meditational Flow
I personally like to listen to soothing meditation music or the ones where they say positive things to you like “You are beautiful, “You are worthy” “You have your shoes on the wrong foot stupid” and so on.
I recommend downloading Spotify. In particular there is a track called early morning song by moments of clarity. Love it. Develop your mental health routine and stick to it or else.. I mean it. Don’t make me come get you. O.K don’t freak out I’m only kidding.
The Breath Flow
Oh, I almost forgot the most important part. Breathe, just breathe. Sit down somewhere and take deep breaths, exhale and remember.. The sun will come out tomorrow, Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there’ll be sun.
Enosh Israel-Enosh Journal Publications.