STAYING SANE DURING COVID-19 LOCKDOWN
By Sejoro Tonuewa
An extra 2 weeks was added to the covid-19 isolation period, and to put it frankly, there seems to be no end in sight especially with the perpetual increase in the number of infected people. Also, more people have begun to flunk the isolation rules as “hunger is deadlier than corona virus” and “I will rather die from corona virus than from hunger”, they say.
We cannot but admit that depression is on the rise, stemming from the restriction of movement and activities, depletion of money reserves and resources, incessant attacks by hoodlums among others. While some have taken to the social media to air their frustrations and vent their grievances against government, some go there to blow away the cobwebs– different shades!
There are reports from community pharmacies of increase in symptoms of depression including loss of appetite and low interest in pleasurable activities. These were caused by unavailability of work due to the sit-at-home order, low resources and constant worry about survival if the lockdown was extended. And as the numbers keep rising, more people begin to know those who have tested positive and/or died from the infection; adding to depression!
There are various activities one could participate in, to help deal with depression:
- Eat healthy and drink lots of water: The foods we eat contribute to our mood by affecting the structure and function of the brain. Therefore, eat balanced diets - rich in fiber, vegetables and fruits and avoid processed and refined sugar. , drinking enough water (about 2 litres daily is recommended).
- Plan/Organize: This is very important, not for time management purposes but for a more conservative approach. Time flies, and the days roll by without achieving purposeful/meaningful projects. So, plan family games, include “me times”, take an online course, include cooking times.
- Exercise: Getting enough exercise does not only keep the muscle toned, it also keeps the body healthy. It also helps to improve the mood as it causes an increase in serotonin and endorphins which help in regulating mood.
- Think happy thoughts: This might seem difficult especially with the bad lots of bad news flying around. However, focusing on positive things helps to lift our moods. We could do this by thinking about the positive recovery rate and those discharged rather than focus on the number of those who were infected. Have fun activities with family members, call and chat with your friends to check up on them and stay positive.
- Engage your hobbies: Of course, engaging in a habit you love does wonders to one’s mental health. Research has shown that people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from stress, low mood and depression. Engage in activities that make you happy: read a book, knit, sew, watch movies, write… engage in fun activities.
Don’t forget that in this war against COVID-19, your mental health is equally as important as the physical, so take care of it. This is a collective fight, so check up on people; friends, neighbour, family members; and help people as much as we can. Together, we can surge through the pandemic. Stay safe. Stay sane.
REFERENCES
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/nutritional-psychiatry-your-brain-on-food-201511168626
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/261609356_Effects_of_Changes_in_Water_Intake_on_Mood_of_High_and_Low_Drinkers
https://www.webmd.com/diet/how-much-water-to-drink
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/exercise-and-mood
https://headtohealth.gov.au/meaningful-life/purposeful-activity/hobbies
