Looking after your mental health in these uncertain times
Human connection has been part and parcel of human existence as long as we’ve been around – we have survived this long through the connection of social gatherings and a feeling of ‘togetherness’ . The ‘connection disconnection’ of a world transformed by digital technology has already triggered an epidemic of loneliness and its unwelcome companion – depression. The world has never seemed smaller – on a daily basis we text, we email, we comment on social media, we Instagram, we snapchat. We are overwhelmed with digital information and in lots of ways this has worked against our innate social connection. And this is all before the COVID-19 global crisis. Dealing with COVID-19 is one thing, but how do we protect ourselves from the loneliness and mental anxiety that we may face due to social distancing and isolation that is now enforced on many that thrived on the routine and motivation provided by their training and sport?
The absence of sport
Sport has always been a powerful connector. It brings communities together, it encourages team work, and provides a platform for endless social discussions. From your local sports club to your county/college team, to playing for your country, it inspires and motivates. It is an integral part of so many people’s lives – whether it be your regular sessions at your local gym or your get together to watch the latest premiership match. It has the ability to bring a whole nation together singing the one song.
Millions of children, students and adults across the globe are now sitting at home instead of rummaging through closets looking for football socks or sports gear to head out to training. As teams are grounded all across the world, what can you do to help cope with this huge void in your weekly routine? Disbelief has been quickly followed by the hard cold facts of the current situation. You can’t tell somebody not to be anxious – it is totally normal to feel anxious and worried during a pandemic. Nothing is normal. But there are some things you can do to help mitigate that anxiety and use this time to educate, learn and come out the other side.
Recognizing stress
Firstly, it is important to recognize that you are stressed. In Coping with Coronavirus Stress , Shianna Ali states that according to the four branch model of emotional intelligence, the ability to recognize your emotional state is essential in order to understand and manage your emotions. Acknowledging your stress is the first step in helping you deal with it. Some of the signs that you are in a stressed state due to the corona virus crisis may include:-
- Mood swings & irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Tension and headaches
- Fear about your health and the future
- Lack of focus and finding it difficult to concentrate
- Difficulty sleeping
- Reduced energy levels
- Feeling of helplessness
- Substance abuse as a coping strategy
Helping to reduce stress
Stress is inevitable in these uncertain times. But there are lots of ways to help you deal with your stress or anxiety.
Limit media influence and seek information from trusted sources
COVID-19 news bombards us 24×7. Self Isolation and social distancing are the new buzz words. Misinformation is common. Try to limit your exposure to this by picking specific times of the day to check in on the latest news and using reputable and trusted sources. Try not to share any sensationalist headlines that may not be true.
Prioritize your self-care
Now more than ever it is important to look after yourself. Eat and hydrate well. Follow recommended guidelines on hygiene and try to get into a new routine and make time for physical exercise, sleep, rest and relaxation.
Exercise
A lot of athletes are worrying about how they can keep their physical exercise regime when they can no longer go to the gym or to their training sessions. Athletes everywhere need to find new ways to stay fit in the absence of training and competition. Coaches can stay in touch via digital technologies and many of our clients are using Metrifit to keep track of their athletes well-being and their activity. Coaches on social media are sharing tips, e-books, training programs. It may not be possible to stick to the same training routine at home without all the necessary equipment but it is important to continue with regular physical exercise where possible.
Focus on what you can control
In difficult circumstances, there is often a tendency to panic. We need to accept the things we cannot change before we can start focusing on what we can control. Rather than focusing on how bad things are – focus on what you can do and what you can control. You can control your hygiene, how you social distance, how you can help others, what learning opportunities you may have. Try not to think too far ahead and focus on the here and now.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Amateur athletes may be struggling with coping with job loss and financial worries. Life in a blink of an eye is very different for so many people. For those who own a business, tough decisions that affect the lives of others can add additional stress. If you are struggling to cope, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Learn something new / take up a new hobby
This is a great time to make use of any additional time you have on your hands as social distancing prevents your usual social activities. Online courses have never been more accessible and reasonably priced. Challenge yourself to learn something new. We at Metrifit are happy to publish any blogs from coaches/athletes describing how you are coping with the current circumstances. Feel free to get in touch if you fancy sharing your experiences and helping others in the process.
Stay connected
Social distancing doesn’t have to mean total isolation, given all the modern technologies available to us. Make use of social media, video calls, email, telephone or plain old letter writing.
Take time to unwind
Now, more than ever, you need to take some time away from the constant news and information to relax your mind. Relaxation techniques can reduce stress and help you take a break from information overload.
Try to look for the positives
Remind yourself that this is temporary and that will end. Look for the positives and share hopeful stories. In Coronavirus: nine reasons to be reassured, Jon Henley admits that of course tackling the virus is a massive challenge medically, politically, socially and economically but scientists including Ignacio López-Goñi, a professor of microbiology and virology at the University of Navarra in Spain have these reassuring facts:-
- We know what it is
- We can test for it
- We know it can be contained
- Catching it is not that easy and we can kill it through hand washing and cleaning
- In most cases, symptoms are mild and young people are at low risk
- People are recovering from it
- Hundreds of scientific articles have already been written about it
- Vaccine prototypes exist
- Dozens of treatments are already being tested
Think of others and try to help
Think of ways you can help others. Maybe an elderly neighbor needs some shopping delivered. Stay in contact with the older generation who may be more isolated than others – you never know how much a simple phone call can mean to somebody. Supporting other members of your community has significant positive impacts on your mental and emotional health.
Distant but united
Metrifit hails from a small beautiful corner of the world – the Cooley Peninsula, Co. Louth, Ireland. A young man from the area is currently living in Sardinia and going through the Italian lockdown. He is writing a daily blog. In his day 6/7 blog his message is positive and offers a sense of hope as he quotes from Fred Rodgers, the American television entertainer:-
When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping
We can’t thank the people who are the frontline of this crisis enough. Without them we would be lost. Barry ends with a common theme for all the globe as we face this crisis together.
People are helping, remember that we are all in this together. #DistantiMaUniti – Distant but united.”
About Metrifit
Are you worried about your athletes when you can’t meet face to face? Metrifit can be set up remotely and used for well-being, activity tracking as well as positive communication and education.
To find out more visit our Introducing Metrifit page or contact us at for a free demo.
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References
The Science Of Human Connection And Wellness In A Digitally Connected World by Marina Rose
Coronavirus has taken sport from us and we shouldn’t apologise for missing it
Break the coronavirus anxiety cycle by Judson A. Brewer
How to protect your mental health by Kirstie Brewer
Managing mental health during coronavirus – experts around the world share insights
World Health Organization (WHO) COVID-19 Information
WHO Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak
Coping with Coronavirus Stress | Psychology Today
Silver linings: how to stay positive during the coronavirus crisis