Managing your mental health
Not only has COVID-19 created a physical health crisis , it is also had a major impact on our mental health . It is Mental Health Awareness Month this October , so we look at ways to boost emotional wellbeing in an uncertain world .
It is only natural to be facing some level of anxiety or depression when everything around us has changed so dramatically in such a short space of time . In a world in which staying apart to stay safe has become the – often mandated – norm , making and maintaining connections beyond the realm of social media has become increasingly challenging . Yet , to stay mentally healthy , we need to find new ways of not only connecting to others but also to ourselves and our surroundings .
When it comes to overall health , it all starts with one vital connection …
The mind-body connection
Physical and mental health are intrinsically linked . If we have a positive mindset , we are more likely to have increased physical immunity – and vice versa .
Ongoing stress makes our bodies more vulnerable to infection . That is because stress increases the cortisol hormone in the body which serves as an immune suppressant . Stress has also been proven to increase inflammation . Prolonged stress can in fact make you more susceptible to chronic health conditions such as heart disease and high blood pressure . That is why taking care of our psychological needs is so important .
Let us look at some ways to achieve that :
Exploring the great outdoors
One of the few benefits of the pandemic and its resultant lockdowns is an increased appreciation for the great outdoors . This welcome escape from our four walls and screens , also allows us to see others in a safer outdoor space and to explore parks and trails we may not have otherwise known about . Not only is exploring your city ’ s
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