Let’s face it, 2020 has been a dire year for good mental health. Lockdowns, pandemics, illnesses, and in some cases, the unfortunate loss of family members have done a great deal of harm to people across the world.
Aside from the economic damage that closed businesses have has to endure, or the physiological states of many people who caught the virus, the COVID-19 pandemic has laid waste to the hard work many of us carry out to “keep our spirits up.”
Although we try regardless, there is no shame in accepting that mental health issues are only a bad day away—and with the forecast not looking so great (albeit better than it was), you would do well to find a few ways to both declutter the mind and help yourself feel better mentally. Here are a few suggestions and examples to inspire you along the way.
Want to feel good? Look good!
Now, no one is advocating for the idea that you must look a certain way or that looks are everything—in fact, quite the opposite. No one can tell you what you need to look good, as your tastes are as unique as you are.
However, as so many people have been forced to work from home, you might be under the false impression that you don’t need to dress up anymore. The truth is, you should do exactly that.
The fact is, there have been a few studies that show you absolutely should dress to impress, even if you are working remotely. As well as promoting productivity during your workday, dressing well (and thus looking good), is seriously encouraging to your mental state. What better excuse should you need to treat yourself to a little clothing retail therapy?
National women’s clothing retailer Chicos provides a combination of great style, one-of-a-kind details, and warm, personal service. With COVID-19 forcing most of their business online, you can go to their website and have everything delivered to your door, ready for work the next day. Also, you don’t have to stop at the professional women’s jackets and blouses; treat yourself to some womens jeggings, which are appropriate for all occasions.
If you look good at work, then you’ll feel good at work—and if your workplace is also your home right now, then where better to make gains on your mental state?
Give a little, receive a lot.
Especially at this time of year, the joy of giving cannot be understated. The feeling of providing something you have to those who have-not is a proven way to stimulate parts of the brain that establish and better your mood. In addition to your mental health and wellbeing, helping someone can stimulate your immune system and produces more of the hormone serotonin, which boosts happiness.
You don’t have to give all of your wealth to the first homeless person that you see (although there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that if you could). Instead, you can make charitable gestures by other, dare it be said, convenient and anonymous methods. Take your cue from Long Island attorney Howard Fensterman.
Fensterman, who is the Managing Partner of the New York-based law firm of Abrams, Fensterman, Eisman, Formato, Ferrara, Wolf & Carone, LLP, has a heart as big as his firm’s name is long. When not working in law, he applies his experience to his positions on the boards of the Chabad of Port Washington and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America (Long Island chapter). In addition to helping both charities, he runs a blog that goes into more detail about his nominated causes and gives information on where to turn if your mental health is suffering.
Giving, even in your own way, can help your mental state get so much better, and it should definitely be considered.
Traditional Routes
There’s a stigma towards mental health that really should have been eradicated by the 21st century. Unfortunately, people feel the need to hide away their mental health issues instead of addressing them or just reaching out to help. It isn’t weak to talk, and the failure to search for help is only a failure to help yourself.
If your mental health dwindles to the point where you’re having negative thoughts, then you must seek professional help. No one is going to judge you, nor is any psychiatrist going to have you committed or sectioned on the spot.
There are many treatments today, such as talking therapies and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), that can make a real difference to your mental wellbeing. Offered by companies such as the reputable Therapy Group of NYC, professional psycho-therapeutic treatment is tailor-made to the patient.
Plus, with COVID-19 restrictions, many of these therapies have been moved online, meaning that you can partake remotely at a time of your choosing and at a place of your preference too.
A bonus idea: clear some space, clear your head.
Sometimes, it can be so simple to declutter the mind, and you just need to be decluttering your living space. It might just be worth picking up the yellow pages and looking up companies like EZStorit (facilitators of self storage in Denver) and clearing out the old abode. You don’t have to throw anything away if you don’t want to; just put the physical fillers of the space in your life to one side.
Mental health is something that everyone has, but no one truly understands. It stands to reason that what may work for you may not work for others and vice versa. The only way to find out what works for you is to try. We all have a responsibility to each other to reach out to those in need.
Set a good example, and don’t keep quiet if you’re struggling with your mental health. Instead, speak up and talk to your loved ones. You might provide them with an inspiration to talk to you, as well as you finding solace in talking to them.
