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Maintain Mental Health During The Covid-19 Pandemic

30 Apr 2022

Source: istockphoto.com/AdrianHilman

It has been two years since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, including Indonesia. The COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for all of us. Because of the pandemic, many sectors of life were impacted. The COVID-19 pandemic has made many of us stay at home and have little social interaction and activities outside of the house. Since the government issued a regulation to stay at home, many companies have implemented work from home to restrict mobility as part of the effort to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19. Spending a long time at home is not easy for most people, especially if it is done over a long period of time. This can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health; stress, anxiety, and depression are mental conditions that are common during the pandemic.

The use of technology and social media can bridge the social distance that causes loneliness. Some activities can be held online, such as workshops, yoga, and cooking classes with similar schedules to those that existed when it was done offline. There are some websites or applications that provide virtual workspaces with unique designs and features. People can connect with each other through voice and video connection. According to research, a meeting that involves voice or video is superior to text messaging. Social media can gather people from all around the world and spread information about trusted resources for mental health support. It can be helpful to those struggling with mental health illness.

During the pandemic, everyone is forced to stay at home and cannot go anywhere. People who were initially busy with office and other matters that consumed their time before the pandemic, are now starting to have a lot of free time. This can create boredom and stress. Stress is the axis of all kinds of disease, mental health is no exception. Doing hobbies, or activities that you like, such as cooking, playing music, painting, etc., is the right solution to fill your spare time and contains many benefits in it. Furthermore, in the pre-pandemic period, with the compactness of work, we forgot to take the time to do the things we love. Therefore, we can also fit in the time to do the things we love because of the additional amount of free time we have in the pandemic. Thus, there are many benefits that can be obtained from doing hobbies since it makes us fresher, helps us think more positively, reduces stress, and makes our hearts more peaceful.


Source: https://reach.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/ 1

In conclusion, since the government issued a regulation to stay at home, many companies have implemented work from home to restrict movement as part of efforts to reduce the number of people infected with COVID-19. People who were initially busy with work and other matters which drained their time before the pandemic are now starting to have a lot of free time. Therefore, to ensure good health, we have to eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life. So, stay safe and stay healthy wherever you are because there’s nothing more important than a good health — our principal capital asset.


References:

  • Primary Hospital. (2020). Menjaga Kesehatan Mental Di Era Pandemic Covid- 19,https://primayahospital.com/covid-19/menjaga-kesehatan-mental-di-era-pandemi- covid-19/
  • Galea, S., Merchant, R. M., & Lurie, N. (2020). The mental health consequences of COVID- 19 and physical distancing: the need for prevention and early intervention. JAMA internal medicine, 180(6), 817-818.
  • H, K. (2021, March 26). Drug & Alcohol Rehab Helpline, rehab 4 addiction, shares it’s infographic about COVID-19 & Mental Health. – Helping children with upper limb differences live life without limits. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://reach.org.uk/drug-alcohol-rehab-helpline-rehab-4-addiction-shares-its- infographic-about-covid-19-mental-health/
  • H, K. (2021, March 26). Drug & Alcohol Rehab Helpline, rehab 4 addiction, shares it’s infographic about COVID-19 & Mental Health. – Helping children with upper limb differences live life without limits. Retrieved April 18, 2022, from https://reach.org.uk/drug-alcohol-rehab-helpline-rehab-4-addiction-shares-its- infographic-about-covid-19-mental-health/

 

Salsabila Syafaastuti, Evisyina Faiza, Stefanie, Adinda Erica, Risnisa Cinta