Keeping mental health in-check

Keeping mental health in-check

By Mary Okorie

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Mental health has always been of concern but has increased significantly during the Covid19 period. This is due to many factors such as isolation from people, changing daily routine, and academic stress. Isolation seems to be the significant factor that increases the chances of having a mental health problem. Being alone almost all day with no-one to talk to, not being able to hang out with friends like before, and interacting with new people can lead to depression, especially in students. Since there is no-one to discuss their problems with, they bear it alone, thereby increasing mental health issues. Change in their daily routine also has an impact on mental health. Before the pandemic, students woke up early to go to school. After school, students would have some other place to go. Possibly the gym, or even go to the mall. All of this has changed due to the restrictions placed during Covid19. Students' routines have changed. They now stay at home to have classes, gyms are closed or only allow a small proportion of people. There are not many places to go to because they are either closed, don't let people stay inside, or only a tiny proportion. Change of routine would take some time to get used to and can also affect their mental health. Also, academic stress has always been one of the causes of mental health issues, but with Covid19, it seems worse. Since there is no motivation, students might find it hard to attend classes. With the distractions at home, they might find it hard to complete all the assignments given to them. They might also find it hard to study since some people's style of studying is group learning. When exams are nearby, their stress levels heighten.

It is essential to keep mental health in check, and people should make sure that if they start to see symptoms, they should access the school's online mental health services. They should also invite few friends following the restrictions to not feel alone and interact with people. Time management and a reasonable timetable could help reduce academic stress. They accept the change that comes with Covid19, and looking at the positive side of things and how to best adapt and make a new routine would also help. We can make it through this pandemic!

Activities to do During Isolation

Activities to do During Isolation

By Mary Uchechukwu Okorie

Quarantine is a very challenging period and people need to engage in activities to help prevent or lessen mental health issues. There are many activities one can engage in, but I will only discuss a few:

  • Go out on walks.

  • Participate in more online events to connect with others.

  • Watch a movie or read a novel.

  • Find a hobby.

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Going for walks is an activity that can be really helpful during the isolation period. People need to be out of their house, need to breathe fresh air, and see places that do not include the four walls of their room or home, and at least see some other people moving around at a safe distance. People can also go for walks to clear their mind and just appreciate nature. This will enable people to take their minds off the possible loneliness that accompanies isolation.

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People should engage more in online events so that they connect with other people. While online events cannot really compare to the interaction of in-person events, we do not have much choice but to make the best out of our situation. Participating in online events is also better than just being alone, doing nothing and having no one to talk to. This could be an organized group discussion or ‘party’, or merely watching a movie or playing games with friends online. This allows people to communicate with each other, talk to friends, and possibly find new friends. It would be beneficial to participate in these types of events.

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People can also watch or read a novel during the isolation period. This can serve as a relaxation period or reward time after studying. It will help people to not feel so lonely and to engage their brains in other things so that they do not have the time to think about being alone or anything that may be causing anxiety. It is really refreshing to read a novel or watch a movie.

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During this isolation period, people can also experiment on different things that they like and might not have been able to do if they were to go out every day. People should find a hobby that makes them happy. It could be cooking or baking or any other activity they can engage in that will keep their mood elevated. Finding hobbies can really help to get through quarantine.

Therefore, finding a hobby, watching a movie or reading a novel, participating more in online events and going out on walks are a few things out of the many activities people can engage in to help pass the time and hopefully keep them sane through the period of isolation.