Giving Your Mental Health The Much Needed Attention During The Pandemic

written by Lim Zhi Min
19 · 5 · 2121

‘1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced
a mental disorder.’ 

Elements of a good mental Well Being in a Bulb

Taking care of your mental health

COVID-19 has disrupted a great number of lives – job losses, social isolation as well as the anxiety from the pandemic are just a some of the tensions that people are bombarded with, having a heavy toll on mental health.  How could we encourage people and communities to take control of their very own health and  enhance their well-being  pandemic and beyond?

Institute Mental Health conducted a survey in 2016 and the findings are alarming.” Latest nationwide study shows 1 in 7 people in Singapore has experienced a mental disorder in their lifetime”

Mental health is an another area that deserve a lot more attention and support.

Below we have listed 6 Tips that you can use to keep your mind and body healthy

Gratitude Journaling

Explore writing about the good things in your life. It makes you feel calmer and more self-aware
Benefits
  • Lower stress levels
  • Feel calm at night
  • Gain a new perspective of what is important to you and what you truly appreciate in your life.
  • By noting what you are grateful for, you will gain clarity on what you want to have more of in your life, and what you can cut from you life.
  • Helps you focus on what really matters.
  • Helps you learn more about yourself and become more self-aware.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breathing also goes by the names of diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing, belly breathing, and paced respiration. When you breathe deeply, the air coming in through your nose fully fills your lungs, and the lower belly rises.

Benefits

  • invoke relaxation response
  • Aids you in disengaging from distracting thoughts and sensations
  • decrease heart rate and blood pressure
  • increase lung endurance and strength
  • release endorphins that improve your mood
  • promote better sleep

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation  is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. Techniques can vary, but in general, mindfulness meditation involves deep breathing and awareness of body and mind.

Practising meditation and mindful moments can lower your stress and anxiety levels. Try it!

Benefits

  • Reduce stress
  • Control Anxiety
  • promote emotional health
  • Lengthens attention span
  • Improves sleep

 Read more about Mindfulness Mediation’s benefits here : “12 Benefits of  Mindfulness Meditation

Can-do Lists

A To Do List
Create a Can-Do Task List and check off 3 simple tasks a day to improve your wellbeing!

Benefits

  • Unclutter your brain
  • Deflate the “overwhelmed” feeling ballon
  • Makes Creative spaces
  • Push the Pause Button
  • Stimulates a sense of achivement
  • Build confidence

Read more about here : 7 Mental Health Benefits of Having a ‘Can Do’ Task List.

Gardening

Little boy watering the garden

Horticulture therapy can help fight depression and improve memory. Explore some home-based or community gardening!

Benefits

  • Build Strength
  • Improves memory
  • Reduce stress
  • Combat eco-anxiety
  • promotes sleep

Read more :  Discovering the Many Healthful Benefits of Gardening

Physical Exercise

Regular exercise is good for your body and can have a profound impact on your mental wellbeing. Start today!

The pandemic has exacerbated economic and social stressors that significantly impact individuals’ mental health, as well as accelerated the adoption of technology, often to replace social contact, in all sectors, including healthcare. How then can technology be harnessed to help individuals cope in the new normal and self-manage their wellbeing?

Jointly developed by MOHT and key players in the healthcare and social space – such as the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) – mindline.sg was conceptualised as a one-stop portal that can support our whole-of-person wellbeing in these unusual times. Its key features include a clinically validated self-assessment tool, which directs users to the most suitable self-help resources based on their emotional needs. It also brings together a wide variety of carefully curated resources, such as support for caregiving, employment, financial needs and managing family conflicts.

Pandemic or not, life goes on. So does our mental well being. Give your mind the deserve attention it needed