Be kind to your mind

​While many things are uncertain when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, things have come to the surface for many over the last couple of months. This pandemic is taking a toll on many lives, our economy, our social life and also our mental health. 

During this pandemic, there is many articles, social media posts, videos and tons of news coming out daily with updates about how many cases we have locally and how we can all protect ourselves from the virus. If you're anything like me, your mind is continuously racing on how to get over the fear of potentially becoming ill with COVID, which then can lead you into a deeper hole. It's unclear when things will  clear up and go back to normal, the best practice I found for myself in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic was to practice self-love and to be kind to my mind during these times. 

                                                Here's some things I found useful: 

Most of us are use to doing daily activities that keeps our minds moving, for me once COVID became serious and I was put on EI after being laid off from my job, I found myself completely lost on how to pass the days. 

1. Keep A Constant Routine (Set An Alarm To Wake Up Early Each Morning):
I know it doesn't sound exciting to wake up early every morning but research has shown that those who wake up early set themselves up for a better sleep every night. Getting on a better sleep pattern will help you focus better throughout your days and help you stay productive. More research has shown that those who have a constant sleep pattern tend to feel more positive and more energized for the day. 

2. Be Kind To Yourself:
We naturally expect the most out of ourselves daily but remember, we're all human and sometimes we have off days. Accept that some days you may be more productive than others. Try your hardest to stay off social media, reading news outlets that makes you feel anxious and connect with something else that brings you happiness. 

We all have something that brings us joy, whether that be painting, baking, singing in the shower, jamming out to songs in the car and even cleaning, if you connect to those little things that bring a smile to your face, I promise you, your positivity will be bigger and better each day.

3. Pause, Take A Deep Breath And Be Present:
Sounds cliche but it really works. Taking 5 minutes out of our your day to do a small meditation or even to do some deep breathing that allows you to become present in the moment which will then begin to change your outlook on a lot of things. Remember our minds either go to two places, reflecting on our past or thinking about our future which causes anxiety or depression. Take a step back and think about the present moment and what you can do TODAY that can change your way of thinking. Notice how you're reacting, feel it fully, note it and then let that feeling go. 

4. Reach Out:
Don't be shy, this was my biggest insecurity. I felt like what I was feeling was never important enough or people had bigger things happening in their lives so they wouldn't care, the best thing I did for myself was communicate to my family and friends about how I was feeling. In some cases when you communicate with others,  you'll find most people are able to relate to what you're feeling and give you guidance and advice. 

5. Reach Out For Help If You Need To:
Therapy is not for everybody but it can be for anyone. That's something I was told at my first therapy session, even if you think your "problems" are small that doesn't mean they shouldn't be recognized and worked on. Everybody has something they want to work on within themselves and you should never hesitate to reach out to services in your community that can help you, no matter how small, big, old or young you are. 

Some services in Windsor you can reach out to, today:

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https://windsoressex.cmha.ca/

https://wechc.org/location/teen-health/

https://bana.ca/

http://brentwoodrecovery.com/ecom.asp?

https://saccwindsor.net/

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