Priority Over Pandemic

By: Jackson Quarles

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought many changes to everyone’s life, and with its uncertainty, altered daily routines, financial constraints, and social isolation it’s easy to feel as if with everything going on, you are not a priority. WRONG! Your self-care is a priority. Though Covid-19 may be sparing our bodies as a youth, it is so kind to most of our minds. It is normal to experience stress, fear, anxiety, and sadness. While understanding the risk of Covid-19, we as a nation and community of young people cannot lose sight of our mental health and maintenance. We must not be unspoken about the mental health issue this pandemic is causing.

We must remain positive. Of course, this is easier said than done. Not being able to see friends, hug family members, and have the summer we imagined can often lead us down a path of worry and negativity. We turn to the TV and we see more COVID cases and higher death numbers daily. Yes, Covid-19 is a reality, yet finding a balance between positive and negative emotions is key. Staying positive doesn't mean that you never feel negative emotions or anger. As mentioned earlier it is normal to feel them so that you can move through difficult situations. But you don't want those emotions to take over your mind. For example, it's not healthy to keep thinking about bad things that are happening in the world in the past, or worry too much about the future. To help your mental health practice holding on to the positive emotions when you have them. Taking a break from negative information. Watch a movie with your family, Facetime some friends, read a book, know when to stop watching or reading the news. Use social media to reach out for support and connect with others but be careful. Don't fall for rumors or compare your life to others and how they are doing. Positivity is the root of all emotions and self-care. Prioritize yourself by remaining positive even through persistent negative times.

The need to practice good physical health is major; although some find it hard to believe your physical and mental health are connected. To maintain good mental health, we must sustain great physical health. Be physically active. Exercise can reduce feelings of stress and depression and improve your all-around mood. Get enough sleep. Sleep affects your thoughts and mood. If you don't get good sleep, you may become more easily annoyed and stressed; therefore leading to negative thoughts and actions. In the long term, a lack of quality sleep can make you more likely to become depressed. Also indulge in healthy eating. Good nutrition will help you feel better physically and can also better your mood by decreasing anxiety and stress. Not consuming enough of certain nutrients may supply to some mental illnesses. For example, scientists have suggested that there may be a connection between low levels of vitamin B12 and depression. Eating a well-balanced diet and drinking water can help you to get enough of the nutrients you need.

Relax and develop gratitude. While others may relax with a book or a Netflix movie some relax better by Deep breathing exercises, which involve focusing on taking slow, deep, even breaths. Whatever method may work best for you, it is vital to develop a sense of relaxation and calmness for your mental health. Research different types of relaxation techniques to decide which one may work best for you. Relaxing provides relief to stress and anxiety to the brain. Your body’s natural response to this tranquility helps your mental health and physical health. Practicing gratitude means being thankful for the good things that are happening in your life. For me, when I am stressed, I have noticed that even during negative times there can be positive in my life. Gratitude can help you to recognize the family and things you are positive for. It's helpful to do this every day, you can simply just think about what you are grateful for or write it down in a journal. These things may seem small, but It's important to allow yourself a moment to enjoy that you had a positive experience. Practicing gratitude can help you to see your life differently. Therefore positively impacting your mental health.

YOU ARE IMPORTANT. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IS IMPORTANT. SELF-CARE IS A PRIORITY. WE MUST PRIORITIZE OURSELVES. Remaining positive, Practicing good physical health, and developing gratitude are only some of the many aspects to maintaining and improving your mental health. Though things are different during these times, we must continue to fill ourselves with the mindset that our self-care is a priority. We must continue not to be quiet about the mental health issue this pandemic is bringing. Spread positivity and awareness to everyone you know. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. PRIORITY OVER PANDEMIC.

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