Endeavors for your mind

quarantimes

National Mental Health Crisis Hotline:

• 0917-899-8727 • 989-8727

COVID-19 Special Issue Volume 40, Issue 4

ILLUSTRATION BY FAITH CACNIO

ENDEAVORS FOR THE MIND

Patricia Gabrielle MARQUEZ

Social awareness is the ability to have acute awareness of one’s environment and take into account appropriate reactions while having empathy for other people. This is an integral part of community development that is needed, most especially at present. However, being updated on social issues can affect one’s mental health negatively, so it is important to also practice mental self-care while doing so.

The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has taken the world by storm, stopping everyday routines of work and school due to lockdowns imposed, and finding everyone in varying states of confusion and worry. Unfortunately, the pandemic isn’t the only problem we currently face, as every month there seems to be a new social issue that is continuously occurring, whether it’s inside or outside our country.

From confusing lockdown guidelines to #BlackLivesMatter, social issues have continued to pile up even while facing a global pandemic, with various social media platforms having shared countless sources of news updates. However, as much as we want to be updated on current issues, we can get overwhelmed, and this can affect our mental health negatively. The World Health Organization (WHO) gives importance to taking care of our mental health while adjusting to the new normal, which can be difficult for everyone, especially to those who have mental health illnesses. To take care of our mental health is something only we can do for ourselves, so what can we do to be updated on social issues while also giving importance to our mental health?

Detoxing from social media could be a good first step. Most news and information about the current happenings in the world are being spread online, and adding various unrealistic lifestyle expectations could make things worse. Sudden and constant updates of news reports about the pandemic can cause anyone to feel anxious, so it would be better to only seek information from reliable sources at specific times during the day, once or twice. Stay away from unhealthy posts of people and fake news; if must, unfollow them or lessen social media usage. In looking for news updates, be sure to always check the source (hyperlink, author and date), read beyond the headline, and be wary of sources cited within the report. Also, note that satirical posts do exist. Most importantly, check for personal confirmation bias, which dictates whether personal beliefs or values have an effect on the interpretation of information given.

Doing a hobby could also help since it gives a semblance of order and routine that can get you grounded, as it can be exhausting to continuously absorb news from social media. Instead, you can redirect your attention into a more creative outlet that could help you achieve a healthier mindset. Some people have resorted to being a plantita, as taking care of plants can help reduce psychological and physiological stress according to Lee et al. (2015). From full meal recipes to practical alternatives, baking and/or cooking can be a meditative process that takes the mind away from everything else except the dish you’re making. Books, a tried and tested way of taking your mind off reality, have also been made available online by many websites like Audible and Scribd; the arts and cultural community also giving access to musicals, operas, and even museum exhibits with Google Arts & Culture providing free virtual tour to museums and famous landmarks. The same can be done with online courses to sharpen skills, learn a new hobby or have more knowledge about a topic that interests you: Coursera and edX are a few sites or apps to try for this. Studies also state that exercising can also help in reducing anxiety and depression, have sharper memory and thinking, and give an enormous sense of wellbeing—something made easy to achieve with numerous tutorials and classes made available online. With the power of the internet (and mindful usage) you can find what suits you best!

At times when we feel stressed, human connection and support can help us be more at ease. We are social animals that crave to be with people who share common values and beliefs with us—a reason why we love social networks so much. Keep in touch, check in with your family and close friends, and try to only share truthful news to them. Offering help and connectivity gives advantage to both parties, and the bayanihan spirit can support the community to face the coronavirus disease better.

The pandemic has us on edge for a “can this get any worse?” mindset that we lose focus on what we could be doing productively for a more positive way of living. It is okay to be fearful of what is happening, and it is actually important to acknowledge these feelings. With everything happening in our society, although it is crucial to be conscious of social issues, it is also alright to pause and take a break when everything becomes too much. Instead of anticipating something bad, wouldn’t it be better to direct your intent into a positive active contribution—starting with yourself?