The war in Ukraine is definitely having an impact on the mental health of many people, including today I was speaking with my friends of the impact it's having on them. People wonder what's going to happen next with the aggression in the Ukraine, and will this spread to other countries in Europe. More concerning will nuclear weapons play a role in the conflict? These questions all leads to uncertainty and obviously it can make people very anxious. And especially as these decisions are out of our control.
So I wanted to take some time to express to my readers how I take the pressure away from my mental health, and techniques I use to calm my mind and also to look forward to positive times. Remember there is hope, it's amazing how hope can play a part and improve mental health; I also hope for the best outcome.
So, some techniques that I follow to help my own mental health.
Go for a walk - going for a walk is probably one of the best ways that I clear my head, get some fresh air, seek clarity, whilst maintaining my exercise regime. Change of scenery can do wonders, and really does help with my mental health, even if it's just thirty minutes a day, it really does help.
For example, this week, I am currently in New York City and it's been great to wander the streets of this awesome city, taking a walk in Central Park, or indeed your local park, it really does help with mental health.
Five example this week I've been in New York City and it's been great to walk around this awesome city, taking in the sights, you can forget about the troubles and worries,even if it is just for five minutes.
Naturally I know that these problems are not going to go away but at the same time taking a walk can take my mind off the news.
Checking in with friends - your friends are probably thinking exactly the same as you are. They are worried about what is happening in Ukraine, they are worried about what will also happen. I think talking to a friend, will help them, as well as provide benefit to you.
You can also change the subject and talk about something completely different and again this will help distract away from the troubles. And also a problem shared is one less worry or at least tries to ease the stress.
Hobbies - If you have a hobby, something you've not done in awhile, such as gardening or football, then don't put it off. Now is a good time to resume that hobby and preoccupy your mind, so taking up a hobby or resuming where you left off is very much a good way to kerp your mind occupied and help with mental health.
During idle time I find my mind starts to work overtime, so if I'm preoccupied there is less time for me to think about the negatives.
Switch off the news - do you really need to be tuned in to the TV News 24 hours a day? Satellite and cable news means that we are always connected and I will talk about phones momentarily. Turn over the TV channel, watch something different, something you would not normally watch.
Also maybe listen to a classical music station, try not to tune into the news every hour. Find a radio station or play music of your choice.
It's always helpful to know what is going on in the news but at the same time it's also healthier to take a break from the news as well.
This also leads me onto my last point, putting down our mobile phones.
Mobile phones and technology - We spent a great deal of our time on our mobile phones, iPads, the internet, technology in general.
Give yourself a break, turn your phone off and go and do one of the tasks that I've mentioned. But just turn off your phone, do not be distracted by Twitter or spend countless hours surfing the internet, just take a break.
Finally, go travelling, the whole point of this blog was to create awareness about travelling to America, to let you know when the US travel ban was lifted. Travelling has become more accessible and so, when finances allow, go travelling. Whether it's to the USA or some other wonderful country, go take advantage of travelling. Go visit the countries you have always wanted to visit, the world is reopening, so go take advantage. It occupies the mind and it will take your mind off the negativity that is happening in the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment