Although the year 2021 was marked by a lot of emotions on the one hand, and confusion on the other, according to what the New York Times described, this did not prevent everyone, old and young, from giving more Attention to mental and psychological health. A lot of changes have taken place, especially at the health level, the most important of which is starting withVaccine production, think of the stage Anti-epidemic, then fall under new influences.
This global confusion in general, and the American in particular, prompted the American newspaper, at the end of this year, to provide some advice, inspired by many published stories, that would help calm and clarity until the end of 2022.
1- Releasing the names and meanings of feelings
Last April, writer and psychologist Adam Grant touched on the different kinds of feelings that many people have.
The feelings were not clear label or meanings to people. Whether it’s fatigue or Depression, or even boredom, the emptiness was the master of the situation.
In his report, Grant offered some advice for getting rid of the void, and a powerful first step he suggested was “feeling naming,” which would help open up a window of hope in the fog, and be a socially acceptable response to the question, “How are you?”
2. Giving a mental illness or problem a name
In turn, writer Lily Burana’s experience with Psychiatric and mental illness Difficult, but clear and open, as she put it.
In her report published last October, she spoke openly regarding her depression and anxiety, since she was twenty years old, and she was diagnosed with depression, and over time, the problems multiplied, between depression and generalized anxiety disorder, but during the practice of teaching her daughter remotely, she found She had other problems and was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. From here, Purana tried to live with these disorders, by giving a unified name to the condition in which she is living, and she named Bruce, following the singer SpringsteenBruce, who has been open regarding his struggles with mental health. And her nickname allowed her to keep people updated on her condition.
3. Find meaning in daily activities
Many studies have dealt with strategies for managing daily activities, with the aim of getting rid of the feeling of fatigue and exhaustion imposed by the epidemic, especially since many researches have shown that the epidemic has negatively affected the well-being of people in general, leaving many people exhausted. So, in a report published last May, author Danny Bloom advises looking for meanings of the things people do to re-create a sense of well-being and happiness.
The psychology community often calls this noble combination of physical, mental, and emotional fitness “flourishing,” and according to writer Bloom, one easy way to reach thriving is to give meaning to simple things. Or even meditate for one minute.
4. Have a meditation experience
Dr. Judson Brewer, director of research and innovation at the Center for Mindfulness at Brown University, recommends practicing meditation, as it helps increase rest and calm. Last May, a report was published in the American newspaper The New York Times, indicating the importance of practicing meditation, given that the human brain is like a computer, and it may reach a time when the memory becomes full, and it must be emptied. Brewer gives simple mechanics to practicing meditation, by slowly moving the fingers of the hand and breathing from the inside.
5. Grief over “small” losses
Tara Parker-Pope, columnist on health, behavior and relationships for The New York Times, called for good space to grieve over the seemingly small losses.
In her report published last March, Parker believes that it is good to grieve over simple things, because they can be profound in humans, and recommends some strategies to overcome grief, such as moving to plant plants and trees.
6. Taking mental health leave
Just as each of us needs time off due to illness, having a day of relaxation, in order to maintain mental health, may also be important, and may help restore positive energy, according to what clinical psychologist Christina Caron advises, in a report published in November. Last November, she says, “You don’t feel bad regarding taking time off when you’re sick, so you shouldn’t feel bad regarding taking time off when you’re sad.”
According to Carroll, taking a day to rest will not be difficult, and it does not necessarily make you feel selfish to leave work or school, because relaxation helps in emotional recharge.
7-Write before bed
Sleep disturbances weaken the immune system, reduce focus or attention, and increase the risk of depression, according to Anahad O’Connor, a New York Times reporter who covers health, fitness, nutrition and epidemiology. In a report published last June, he drew attention to the increase in sleep disorders caused by the epidemic. Therefore, it was necessary, in his opinion, to move towards solving this problem, through the use of “coronasomnia” treatments, that is, the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, because this approach helps you address the underlying thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
One strategy is to write down all the thoughts, especially the troublesome things, two hours before bedtime, and then throw the paper away.
Coronasomnia disorders are known, according to the . Foundation sleep foundation American, that they are disorders that affect sleep, and they appeared due to the epidemic, closure, and the start of working from home, and it is characterized by the presence of symptoms of anxiety, depression and tension.
8. Counting sheep.. an indispensable strategy
Maria Di Angelo, an internet teacher and home renovator, recommends a “sheep count” strategy to get rid of insomnia and sleep disturbances. In a report published last August, she found that this strategy helps her get rid of her sleep disturbances, by closing her eyes and thinking regarding the complicated electrical wiring in the kitchen she once renovated.
Just like counting sheep, mental exercises make them feel boring, which helps them get back to sleep. Other times, she closes her eyes and says the names of the United States in alphabetical order, and either way, she falls asleep once more, facing this turbulent sleep.
9- Return the favor
In an article published in December, Christina Caron advises many people to consider volunteering and providing social assistance as a form of happiness. According to Caron, the behavior of kindness towards others relieves loneliness and helps improve mental health.
Research shows that giving can improve health, relieve loneliness and expand social diversity networks. She advises people to set a small goal, such as volunteering once a week, or even once a month, as a kind of plan to improve mental health.
10- The need to rest
Writer Tara Parker Pope points out, in a report published last June, that self-reprimand and constant self-blame are counterproductive. In her report, she found that many readers were berating themselves for being overweight or doing too little exercise during pandemic lockdowns, and she responded by saying that practicing self-compassion may be healthier than just constant blaming, and she considers it appropriate to take a break from Routine things.