The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our overall well-being. Many of us have been infected and lost loved ones because of this deadly virus. Also, you may have developed a fear of infection and prefer to stay at home. But remember, a prolonged stay at home can cause loneliness.
Over time, this pandemic has resulted in mental health disorders like acute stress, post-traumatic stress, etc.
And not only mental health, but this pandemic has impacted our physical and financial health too. Unhealthy eating habits are increasing and so are sedentary habits. So, physical activities are going down as a result of the virus.
Second, rampant job losses and pay cuts have negatively affected our financial well-being. A 2021 report by the Pew Research Center has found that almost half of working adults say the economic impact of the pandemic will make it harder for them to achieve their financial goals.
In short, this pandemic has devastated our lives in almost every aspect. But this too shall pass. You are not alone. We all are going through tough times.
So, no need to worry. We will help you balance your mental, physical, and financial health for a better tomorrow.
Let’s start!
What to do for maintaining your mental well-being
“There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” ― John Green
The changing mutations of the virus may force you to lose hope and think that this pandemic is never going to end. Eventually, it can affect your mental well-being. Let me tell you, there is light at the end of this tunnel. So, don’t lose hope.
But the sad part is, we often ignore our mental health, unlike physical or financial health. Mental health is important too for your well-being. So, you need to take care of your mental well-being by:
- Practicing meditation can help you calm your mind. Stop your racing thoughts and try to concentrate. Initially, you may not do it for long. But if you practice daily, you will gradually feel the eternal peace of meditation.
- Spending time with your pets can reduce stress and anxiety. Your furry friend can be your companion for comfort and relaxation.
- Giving back to the community can increase your happiness, self-esteem and lower stress levels. So, donate money or supplies, check on the elderly who need support, etc.
- Feeling grateful for your life can boost your morale and improve your mental well-being. List at least one thing a day that you feel thankful for in your life. Trust me, it will bring you enormous joy.
- Staying away from rumors can keep anxiety and depression at bay. A myriad of rumors are circulating on the internet. Don’t fall prey to them. They can increase your anxiety and stress levels. Always trust authenticated sources for any information.
How to maintain your physical well-being
“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” – Joseph Pilates
Amidst this global pandemic, taking care of your physical well-being is very important.
A report by The New York Times states that weight gain and stress-eating have dramatically increased during this pandemic. People are increasingly eating junk food and becoming obese. Those who are already having obesity are becoming vulnerable to several diseases.
So, you need to stay physically fit to lead a healthy life ahead. Here are a few tips to take care of your physical well-being.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet and stay away from junk. Also, drink plenty of water to keep your body well-hydrated.
- Sleep for at least seven to eight hours a day. When you sleep, it helps your body and mind recharge. Eventually, you feel fresh and energized after waking up. In addition, adequate sleep can boost clarity and focus and improve your well-being.
- Exercising every day can help you control your weight, manage blood sugar and insulin levels, and strengthen your bones and muscles. Doing exercises releases endorphins that can make you feel happy.
So, figure out what time is perfect for you to work out. Try doing any physical activities like brisk walking, yoga, jogging, etc. For that, you can go outside to any park. But make sure you follow social distancing guidelines.
What can you do for your financial well-being?
A report by the American Psychological Association (APA) has revealed that about 52% of Americans are experiencing negative financial impacts due to the pandemic.
So, if you are one of them, you need to maintain your financial well-being for a better tomorrow. But how will you do so?
- Planning a budget is the key to your financial well-being. During the pandemic, you can stretch your budget to save more. Don’t end up splurging to feel good during this situation. Stick to your budget without fail.
- Do you have debts to pay off? If so, don’t panic if you can’t make the necessary payments. Talk to your creditors about your financial hardship asap. They can help you by offering a repayment plan.
If needed, you can seek help from a genuine debt relief company. They can help you repay your debts with ease.
- Scammers are taking advantage of the pandemic when most of us are emotionally down. So, stay away from fraudulent calls asking for money or your bank details to provide information about vaccination or other COVID-19 resources.
If you want to know anything related to COVID-19, always refer to the official CDC website. Otherwise, you can become the next victim of identity theft and lose your hard-earned money.
Also, don’t post pictures of your COVID-19 vaccination on social media. It can result in identity theft.
Seena Gressin, an attorney, Division of Consumer & Business Education, FTC, says, “Your vaccination card has information on it including your full name, date of birth, where you got your vaccine, and the dates you got it. When you post it to Facebook, Instagram, or to some other social media platform, you may be handing valuable information over to someone who could use it for identity theft.”
- If you have mental illness, such as bipolar disorder or depression, managing money during this pandemic can become challenging.
So, learn about managing financial well-being with depression and bipolar disorder and act accordingly.
We know that 2020 was a turbulent year due to massive cases of COVID-19. And eventually, many of our loved ones succumbed to death. But in 2021, we see a ray of hope as a substantial percentage of our population has been fully vaccinated. As experts say, complete vaccination reduces the severity of this deadly virus. So, you may not land up in an intensive care unit of any hospital.
So, stop stressing yourself. Get the jab when your turn comes. And do self-care for your mental, physical, and financial well-being for a better tomorrow.