Tips: How to Maintain Your Mental Health?

article by Claudyne Li

COVID-19, a name for the novel coronavirus, which since the end of last year was endemic, is now a familiar. Various efforts have been made by all levels of society and the government to prevent transmission of the virus. But until now there has been no effective way to suppress its spread, even in Indonesia the number of COVID positive cases is increasing sharply every day. High unemployment, difficulties in education in the midst of this epidemic, or the fall of other sectors are the bad consequences currently faced by various countries. The consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak also not only affected the physical health crisis but also affected the mental health of the community. If this situation continues, there is a possibility that people's frustration will explode into social conflict.

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During this pandemic, mental recovery in support of mental health needs to start from yourself. Is maintaining mental health difficult? The answer is no! The most important key in keeping ourselves mentally healthy is gratitude. As humans and His creatures, the focus of our lives is God as our creator. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it (1 Tim 6:7). So, be thankful in every circumstance we encounter and appreciate what we have. Gratitude is an easy thing that we often say but very difficult to do. Always be grateful at every opportunity, for example in the morning after waking up. We also need to be grateful for this pandemic because there is always a reason for everything. Many things and lessons can be taken through the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, the quarantine period at home has taught us to get closer to God or get closer to our family (such as exchanging ideas and gathering).

Then, is there another way we must do to stay mentally healthy? Let's look at some of the ways below.

1. Communication. Until now, no one has been able to defeat the importance of human communication in their lives. Communication is very much needed, especially humans who are social creatures. Don't bury your problems yourself. Sharing with family, friends, or other people like psychologists can help you solve problems. Look for someone you trust who can provide a solution or just listen to you. You will feel relieved if you want to share the story or problem you are experiencing.

2. Sincere and forgive. As the saying "In pain there is maturity", trying to let go of what has happened and forgive something that makes you disappointed will produce maturity yourself. One important thing that you need for the health of your soul is calm. Everything should not be a burden. Forgiving someone who has hurt your feelings is actually not for that person, but for your own peace. Trying to live what is and be sincere with what has happened will create a calm and a sense of peace.

3. Build self-esteem and self-love. Although low self-esteem is not categorized as a mental health condition in itself, there are clear links between the way we feel about ourselves and our overall mental and emotional wellbeing. Someone with low self-esteem will think negatively about themselves and believe that they do not deserve to be loved, get happiness or success. Eliminate all thoughts that humble yourself, don't compare yourself with others but build a high sense of self-esteem and self-love by loving yourself. To be yourself is a blessing, love ourselves first so that we can share the love unconditionally.

4. Listening to music. For some people, listening to music or songs becomes a habit to calm the mind (that's me). Music is easy to open minds and feelings, especially with the lyrics and soothing melody that might be an effective way to release the fatigue that you feel.

5. Forget about social media for a moment. Social media and the digital world have changed people's mindsets and behavior, both constructive and destructive. You should not play social media too often. Many people just show off their lives which makes others feel insecure. We also can't blame them, maybe that's the way they forget the stress or frustration. However, the bad effects can actually be felt by others. Misinformation (hoaxes) also often arises from social media. Therefore, you need to be vigilant and be careful of social media.

6. Help others. The final but not the last thing that can be done to maintain our mental health is to help others. Helping others is also useful in building self-esteem because happiness is obtained not in a selfish way. If we give happiness to others, we will instead accept it too. Believe me!

Maintaining mental health is not easy. However, you have many opportunities to make yourself mentally healthy. It all starts with yourself. Keep your spirits up and don't forget to always maintain a healthy body to avoid disease! (CL)