THe Mental Wellness Challenge

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.
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1. Have a routine. Routine is a great way to add some predictability to a time full of unpredictability. Structure can restore purpose when it feels as though it has walked out the front door. Create a household routine that best fits the family needs, the work at home needs, the home school needs and whatever other needs there are currently as we try to find the new normal. It may also be a time to create some ‘quarantine rituals.’ Evening card games, walking times, popcorn and movie times…to name a few.
2. Positive Social Interactions. We are social beings. Whether introverts, ambiverts or extroverts, we are social beings, and extended times in isolation can take a toll. Whether it’s conversations with your usual water cooler or coffee buddies from work, a virtual happy hour, or a daily call to a friend or family member living alone, plan to ensure that you are in fact having positive social interactions with others. We may not be able to be physically together with others, but that does not mean that we can’t be connected.
3. Find alternatives. Many of your regular activities may have gone out the window. Rather than cancelling, look for alternatives. Online dance classes, aerobics classes, church services, and games nights are a great way for your communities to stay connected even though its virtually.
4. Arrange your Physical Space: Chaos on the outside, often means chaos on the inside. In ‘”From Clutter to Clarity” I discuss the benefits of decluttering. With a little more time on your hands now may be a good time to declutter. It may also be a time to arrange your physically space in a way that works for your family during this period. Make a family plan on how to keep your environment intact.
5. Be mindful of everyone’s tech time. Whether it’s your scrolling or your child’s gaming or YouTube viewing, be mindful that the day is not spent on technology. Technology is such an asset during this time but can have a severe impact on our moods and the moods and behaviors of our children.
6. Reframe. Difficulties tend to cascade together. Running a meeting online, with a toddler wanting your attention, with a teenager playing music too loudly, while tripping over shoes in your hallway can certainly cause someone to lose their cool. Remember that at times you will need to step back, step back and acknowledge that yes…this is some craziness but let me reframe this a bit. I am not stuck at home; I am safe at home.

 
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.

This month's 7 day challenge:
Day 1:  Have a video call with one or more of your friends.
Day 2: Take a social media detox for half of the day today.
Day 3: Explore podcasts. Find one that interests you and listen. 
Day 4: Declutter the room that you are spending most of your time in. 
Day 5: Unsubscribe from unnecessary email mailing lists.
Day 6: Eat all meals distraction free today.
Day 7: Send encouraging messages to 5 people.