Podcast Summary
Understanding Lockdown's Effects on Mental Health: Acknowledge the emotions surrounding the lockdown, practice self care and patience, and stay aware of the long-term impacts on mental health.
Lockdowns can be difficult for our mental health, but with understanding comes the ability to manage it.We all experience different emotions, with some feeling hyper focused and prepared at the start and others feeling anxiety, panic, and stress.As time passes, we can enter a honeymoon phase where we're more comfortable, and ultimately reach an equilibrium where our mental health is stable.It's important to be aware of the different phases of lockdown and how they affect us.Self care and patience are key to coping with the changes, especially since the long term impacts of this on our mental health are still unknown.
Can You Handle the Roller Coaster of Emotions During Lockdown?: Take time to check in with yourself and create separation between work, relaxation and leisure time during lockdown.
The lockdown period can be a roller coaster of emotions for many people.Initially, there is a sense of shock and action as we plan for the big change.We then enter a 'honeymoon phase' of elation and productivity.This is followed by a period of anxiety and paralysis.After some time, we begin to adjust to the circumstances and feel capable of understanding the situation.Eventually, we may reach a state of numbness, boredom and stagnation.Burnout is also a common feeling that can arise during this period.It is important to take time to check in with ourselves and take steps to create separation between work, relaxation and leisure time.
"Can Structure and Social Connections Help Manage Depression in Your 20s?": Structure and social connections can help to manage depression and boost happiness in your 20s.
In our 20s, it can be hard to switch off and switch on from work related tasks when living in a small shared space.To create structure and productivity, it is helpful to create different stations in your house for different activities.For example, your desk for uni work, the dining table for paid work, your bed for rest and the couch for TV.Planning pleasurable activities can also help to boost your mood and manage depression.Finally, it is important to keep up social ties as isolation can lead to brain shrinkage and an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.Creating structure and making an effort to stay connected with others can help to keep your happiness high.
Reconnecting with Our Bodies During the Pandemic: During this pandemic, reconnecting with our bodies through simple yet effective strategies like clasping our hands, talking to a friend, taking a warm shower or diverting blood back into our brain can become an essential form of self-care.
It's hard to feel deprived of touch or connection during this pandemic, but there are ways to imitate human touch.Clasping your hands together and closing your eyes is a proven psychological method.Other strategies like calling a friend, taking a warm shower or dancing can help us to feel more connected with our bodies.If feeling panicky, eating a meal or doing breathing exercises can help our nervous system calm down by telling our brain that there is nothing to worry about.Finally, putting something cold on our wrists, or going outside in the cold can help to divert blood back into our brain.Self care is important, but it's not always a full solution.We can control our body's reactions to stressful situations and get through this pandemic together.
