Crises can be tough for people, especially the youth and young adults. Let’s take, for instance, the global pandemic brought about by the global pandemic. Not only has it impacted the youths’ physical health, but it has also taken a toll on their mental health. The lockdown, quarantine, and isolation have led to mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Overall, this global crisis has significantly impacted the overall health and well-being of people.
But do you cope with this challenging situation? As a youth or young adult, here’s how you can foster your health and wellness amid difficult times:
1. Perspective
Perspective is everything during challenging times. Chances are, you’ve gone out of school, got terminated from work, and stopped mingling with your friends due to the pandemic. For this reason, it’s easy for you to feel bad about the situation and take things negatively.
While it’s important to acknowledge the negative situation, you must not dwell on it too much. Know that things happen for a reason, and you can always find silver linings during difficult times. Strive to be positive as much as possible. In the end, your perspective defines your present and will determine your future.
2. Pause
Psychologist Linda Graham stressed the importance of pausing in her book, Bouncing Back: Re-Wiring Your Brain for Maximum Resilience and Well-being. She said that the ability to pause leads to a shift in perspectives, creates opportunities for you, and helps you choose and make a decision wisely.
During difficult times, you don’t necessarily have to be always on your toes. You don’t always have to be strong. Let go of your guard, stop, and pause for a while. Here’s what you can do:
- Take micro-pauses: Take your breaks in the workplace. File your personal leaves, if you must.
- Learn to unplug: Allow yourself some time to stay away from the news, social media, and other digital channels. Turn off your mobile phone and TV at home once in a while.
- Get enough sleep: Don’t take your sleep for granted. Have a sound and restorative sleep for about eight hours.
- Take time to nourish yourself: Eat healthy foods and drink plenty of water. Take time to appreciate your foods and have proper nutrition.
- Have meditation and yoga sessions: Consider enrolling in a Zen meditation course, as it’s proven effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Also, take yoga classes to connect your mind and body.
- Appreciate nature: Take ample time to walk or jog while basking under the sun and communing with nature.
3. Present
In the grand scheme of things, people tend to take the present times for granted. While some older people live in the past, the younger ones are so engrossed in the future. What they fail to realize is how the present is the most important. The present allows you to change your past while it helps build your future.
During difficult times, acknowledge the inevitability of the situation. Don’t dwell on what can no longer be restored, but focus on how you can move forward. Some key things you can practice during the present moment are the following:
- Having self-validation
- Expressing gratitude
- Appreciating what you have
- Living the moment.
4. Play and perform
If you’re looking to improve your overall health and well-being, all you have to do is enjoy the moment. Play and perform as young as you are. This is particularly important during challenging times. There are many hobbies you can pursue and activities you can resort to. Below are some of these:
- Exercise: Working out regularly can make a difference in your overall health. Whether as simple as walking, jogging, or hitting the gym, you can be both physically and mentally fit.
- Pursue creative expression: This depends on what you’re interested in. If you love drawing, spend some time doing so. If you have a knack for words, keep on writing regularly. Always read, pursue your love for photography, play music, and enjoy dancing.
- Play with your pets: If you have furry members of the family such as cats and dogs, it won’t hurt to spend some time with them. Play with your pets, as they are good for your mental health.
- Communicate with your family and friends: Communication is everything, especially during difficult times. Always have open lines of communication. Share your fears and frustrations, and celebrate every success.
- Do some charity work: If you want to find your purpose and put some meaning into your life, it’s best to do some charity work. Helping other people boost your morale and self-esteem, as well as improve your overall well-being.
It’s easy to dismiss your health and lifestyle during normal days. However, challenging times rear their ugly heads and force you to take care of your health and well-being. As a youth or young adult, take note of the importance of 4 P’s during difficult situations—perspective, pause, present, and play and perform. Consider all our valuable pieces of advice discussed above. No matter how ailing the situation is, you can always find ways to rise above this.
