Self-development During COVID-19

Self-development: Moving from crisis to growth during COVID-19

Read on to find self-development tips to help ensure continued personal growth and mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Self-development starts with accepting the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic is a crisis for all. It is unknown territory for all of us and the future is uncertain. This creates anxiety and has the potential to exacerbate mental disorders in those living with them. We all have to adapt to the change that this virus has brought into our lives.

 

During periods of prolonged stress and uncertainty, changes occur in the brain. Some people will become more susceptible to stress the next time it occurs, whereas others will become more resilient. In a crisis like this one, even the more resilient people may become anxious. It is therefore important to find ways to maximize your resilience and to become aware of and manage your stress levels.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic can be an opportunity for growth. We cannot control what will happen tomorrow. Worry over tomorrow will only deplete our energy and frustrate us. One can either stay in a fear spiral: panic, buy everything one can, forward all messages without validating the source, complain frequently and spread negative energy; or you can move into a growth spiral: being comfortable with giving up what you cannot control, being thankful for what you have, not consuming food or news compulsively and perhaps seeing this as a special time for self-reflection.

Here are a few things you can do to boost your resilience and to grow as a person:

1.

Routine, routine

Change your pace, but keep your routine. Keeping with routine is helpful in a time that is unknown and uncertain to all.

Get up in the morning at the same time you would normally. Get dressed (if you look sloppy, you will feel sloppy) and structure your day. Make your bed and keep your home neat: if your environment is clean and ordered, you will feel more in control.

If you work from home, keep to your working hours, but be mindful to create clear distinctions between work and non-work activities.

2.

Take control to increase a sense of safety

Do everything you can to avoid possible exposure to the virus.

Wash/sanitize your hands frequently and do not touch your face; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing, or cough/sneeze into your elbow; wear a mask to protect others and yourself; stay at home when you are sick, and regularly clean and disinfect objects or surfaces in your house.

Good preparation will make you feel more in control – if you have to buy supplies, make a list and keep your physical distance when shopping.

self development tips
Sleep and relaxation

Deep breathing exercises and other types of relaxation techniques can assist in taking the edge off of anxiety.

Are you getting enough good quality sleep? Be mindful of over-stimulation by electronic devices, such as the television and your cell-phone or computer.

Also engage in mood-boosting activities, such as listening to music, practising hobbies or playing board-games with family or friends (this can be done remotely as well).

4. Healthy eating

During the period of continuing isolation, it is important to make good food choices.

Use this time to prepare your meals from scratch. This is also an ideal time to engage your children in the preparing and cooking of meals, to teach them how to lay a table and to make the most of mealtimes together as a family.

Importantly, remember to drink enough water to stay hydrated.

5.

Exercise and movement

Physical exercise is as important as mental exercise for good mental health.

Being confined to your house will present challenges, but even doing your own housework can be a good way of keeping active.

Gardening, vacuuming, washing the windows or hanging the washing are all ways to move (exercise) and this will boost your clarity of thought and creativity.

Additionally, research has shown that regularly being in nature boosts your mental health.
Therefore, try to get out into the sunshine and to enjoy the environment around you if you can. If you are not in the position to get out, have a look on YouTube for free movement classes.

6.

Social connection vs. isolation

Humans have a basic need to belong. During this time of physical distancing this is challenging, but human beings, in general, are flexible and adaptable.

Make time to engage with the others in the house; to talk and to laugh. Regularly contacting (texting, phone calls, video calls) loved ones and friends will limit loneliness.
Also make time for solitude and respect the people living with you if they need their own quiet time.

Additionally, try to turn your household into a community of purpose: make some contributions to people in need; for example, assist in sewing masks, or offer to do grocery shopping for someone who are unable to get to a shop. Helping others gives us a sense of purpose and teaches our children valuable life lessons.

It is also important to balance the constant stream of COVID-19 information with positive stories and news. Make time to visit credible websites, like the South African Department of Health website, for information once or twice a day and ignore the rest.

7. Remain hopeful

Try to think of the pandemic and social distancing/isolation as a marathon and not a sprint, but know that this will also come to an end.

Be kinder to yourself and your family members and remember that this is the ideal time to cultivate positive behaviours and to build strengths.

8. Reach out for help

If you feel you are not coping and need a therapist, reach out. There are mental health professionals ready to help you through this crisis.

If you are on medication or in therapy, keep going with your treatment. Your therapist will be available to you, even at a distance.

depression
Need a helping hand?

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health during the pandemic, you can get help by contacting a trained counsellor, between 8am-8pm Monday to Sunday, on the Pharma Dynamics’ toll-free hotline: 0800 20 50 26.

For a suicidal emergency, contact: 0800 567 567.
SMS: 31393.

 

Want to find out more about other mental health conditions? You can follow this link.

You can also access more mental wellbeing tools at Let’s Talk.

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These articles are for information purposes only. It cannot replace the diagnosis of a healthcare provider. Pharma Dynamics gives no warranty as to the accuracy of the information contained in such articles and shall not, under any circumstances, be liable for any consequences which may be suffered as a result of a user’s reliance thereon.

The information the reader is about to be referred to may not comply with the South Africa regulatory requirements. Information relevant to the South African environment is available from the Company and in the Professional Information/Patient Information Leaflet/Instructions for Use approved by the Regulatory Authority.

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