One interesting happening that comes with disquiet times – almost inevitable – is the tendency for people to slide into panic mode. It is an instinctive move, although not in any way ideal.
As such, as a psychotherapist, with the upsurge of events caused by the novel pandemic: Corona Virus, I am left with no choice but to reiterate how important it is that your mental health is protected during this trying time.
Routines are obviously going to get altered, news come with their lasting impacts, socialization might, all of a sudden, become unrecognizable to you. In spite of that, your mental health should not be at the mercy of these volatile events. In other words, being the gatekeeper of your mind can never come any more demanding than now.
So, you are tempted to rightly ask: How can I get to gatekeep my mental health during this time?
Here are five tips on how you could effectively gatekeep your mental health during this period:
1. Stay committed to healthy routines: As earlier mentioned, an outbreak of such nature has the potency to alter routines as transparent in the world today. However, keeping faith with some structures in your day-to-day activities is advisable. Structures like reading, exercising, eating balanced diet, creative thinking and relaxation all come in handy.
2. Draw the Iines on news and social media: Disquiet times see a lot of news streaming in their droves, dripping of anxiety. While it is advisable you stay informed, always ensure your source of information is reliable while cutting back on the time you use listening to news alongside the time you use on Social Media – they could have toxic contents to your mental health.
3. Take all approved precautions: With emphasis on ‘approved”, a lot of people have fallen victims of taking to fallacies rather than facts when it comes to safety health precautions during this time. Do well to always check in with the approved health bodies and their authorized safety measures rather than counting on hearsays.
4 Keep In touch: Anxiety is a common feature during trying time like this, however, keeping in touch with friends, families and loved ones goes a long way in reducing anxiety. Yes! There is a need to practice social distancing but with technology you could always keep in touch with intimate ones. Talk and talk to them, you will always feel better.
5. Faith-based practices: You might be tempted to raise eyebrows at this, but the truth is, there is a fine line between psychology and spirituality – not religion. Pray, read and listen to faith-based teachings. Create faith-based affirmations that can assist your mind gatekeep against the pestilence flying around during this time. Read them consciously and sink them into your subconscious.
In all, as countries take pragmatic steps in safeguarding their citizens during this period, see your mind as your citizen, you owe it protection.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Micheal Jacob is a certified Life Coach from Lanre Olusola Academy.
He is also a certified NLP practitioner from OLCA and Emotional intelligence Professional from Pause Factory, the only Six Seconds America Africa preferred Partner. He is a multi-award winning psychotherapist who has featured on many local and international media including BBC News, DSTV, HI-impact TV, Max Fm, Sweet Fm, OGTV, Rock City Fm, Eko Fm, Happenings Radio, Women Fm, Punch Newspaper to mention but few.
Micheal serve as a brand consultant and CEOs’ therapist for a couple of international branded organisations. His organisation, Relationships Pendulum Africa which is currently one of Top 100 SMEs in Nigeria by Connect Nigeria has provided professional services to over 2000 people directly and 5000 people indirectly.
Micheal uses therapeutic tools and techniques to move individuals as well as organisations from a state of dysfunctional to a state of expotential growth especially ones that has to do with addiction, limiting beliefs and strongholds. He is a two-time Amazon Best Seller.
