Mental Health: 2 - Routine
Our response this week again features routine. There are loads of little things in this response that, when put together, could have a large impact on your mental wellbeing. Below is this week’s response:
“The number one thing that COVID-19 has presented is the opportunity to take charge of your health. For me personally I used this time to give up smoking. The social side to it has been taken away and so I am finding it easier to kick this habit. Secondly, I am working on a good sleep routine. I believe this to be very important. I have started by reducing my intake of caffeine and getting up before 8am midweek and 10am in the morning on days off. Part of getting a healthy night’s sleep for me is finding a way to wind down. I normally put on some relaxing music and go and brush my teeth, take care of my skin and get into my pyjamas.
I force myself to get out of the house once a day. Sometimes I need to create a message such as going to buy a lightbulb or finally go to the dentist. Anything that gives you something to plan for rather than just walk around aimlessly all day after your lectures and study. I personally have benefited from a routine. I try and get up, shower, eat breakfast and then sit down and do my lectures. Getting up and dressing for your day is important because it keeps you awake and active. It is much harder to get back into bed wearing jeans!
I have started taking vitamins to increase my energy and I have increased the level of fruit and vegetables I am eating. I prefer to study after I have taken a short walk after my lectures. Sometimes I listen to audio recording of lectures on walks if I am getting cabin fever and then study when I am back. I try and get out when it is still bright as this has the biggest positive affect on my energy levels.
It can be hard to keep in touch with people as zooms and calls can get tiring, however, I try my best to call friends and attend zooms and the human contact is great for some normality.
Basically, I try to stay active and adopt a healthy lifestyle as best I can with the pressures of COVID-19.”
Once again, remember that no habits or exercises will eradicate sadness – everyone has bad days and it’s okay to feel sad.
Tá laethanta níos gile romhainn.