Every month on Inspirations Turks and Caicos, I set a new challenge the first week of the month. This month’s scheduled challenge went out the window and was replaced with a mental wellness challenge. Covid-19 has turned the world upside down in many respects. Although we are facing a health pandemic, we are also facing an economic crisis, collective grief, new levels of fear and anxiety, and uncharted territory for many as it relates to social isolation. Worldwide our no. 1 concern must be to flatten the curve of this pandemic and find our new normal in the way we live our lives. In this period, while our brave health care workers and front-line essential workers are out in front of the battle, those at home need to make an intentional effort to stay not only physically but also psychologically well. Prior to this pandemic, mental wellness has always been known to be a key factor in our overall health. We know that loneliness and depression can affect one’s health; anxiety can become debilitating and stress can become overwhelming. These mental challenges affect us both psychologically and physiologically. Now, as social distancing turned into self-isolations and quarantines, we are facing even new trials that increase the likelihood of deeper mental wellness challenges. As a self-employed business owner with three children under the age of 10, I would say that it’s been an interesting ride! I am also quite cognizant that this may be a marathon and not a sprint. For this reason, as I embrace my new personal, family and civic responsibility to STAY HOME, I acknowledge that mental wellness also needs to be on the top of my list…and yours. Mental wellness may seem like a luxury for some at this time, as others fight the battles of their lives. In reality, for those of us safe and healthy at home trying to find our way through this new normal, it’s inevitable that there are unsettling moments. We may be tempted to brush these feelings aside, but it is better to take the time to acknowledge them. It’s how we feel! What then should we do? In addition to drawing on your faith or spiritual beliefs, try to plan for your overall mental wellbeing. It will make this STAY at HOME time more manageable. It will put us in a better position to be understanding and compassionate with ourselves, our families, and others. In addition to this week’s daily challenges related to Mental Wellness, here are my top 6 ways to be intentional about your daily mental wellness and resilience during this time.
Our world is filled with uncertainty. As we focus on dealing with the effects of Covid-19 worldwide, we really don’t know what tomorrow, next week or next month will look like. During these times of uncertainty, without a clear and confirmed timeline on this current lifestyle, I encourage you to step back and focus on a mental wellness plan for you and the members in your household. There will be bumps on the road, but if we can pad ourselves with mental wellness/ resilience strategies, we may just make the time more manageable. Stay Safe.
4 Comments
Judy
4/11/2020 11:33:24 am
Well, I'm certainly going to try. My biggest difficulty is human touch. I live with my 23 year old son, so I'm going to start hugging him every day ( just like when he was a little boy).
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Yolande
4/11/2020 11:56:17 pm
You are very welcome. I look forward to heading how it goes!
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Irene Mitchell
4/11/2020 01:48:27 pm
I have been spending more time in the kitchen trying out family recipes . I do keep in touch with family and friends on a daily basis. Thanks for the tips on how to make your day better. I will share with family and friends.
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Yolande
4/11/2020 11:57:30 pm
Great steps being taken! Thanks for your comment and sharing!
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PodcastShifting Perspectives is a weekly conversation with Yolande. Yolande, a Canadian of Caribbean descent, now calls the Turks and Caicos Islands home and in this podcast challenges Caribbean woman worldwide to fuel themselves with diversity in the way they think, the way they work, the way they parent and the way they live. Archives
July 2020
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