With increase in mental struggles during COVID, these five physical strategies key for recovering mental health

During times of crisis, the spirit and determination of the people of the crisis are some of the most powerful aspects to initiate a successful recovery. Although, when the spirit and determination of people in crisis is tainted due to hopelessness, depression and other mentally-degrading emotions, it can be extremely difficult to get to that successful recovery.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, those mentally-degrading emotions are affecting many people and are leading to a skyrocketing of mental instability. According to the KFF, a medical organization, 56 percent of young adults 18-24 years of age in the United States have reported depressive and anxiety-produced symptoms to medical facilities in the United States. And, according to the CDC, 25.5 percent of adults who report depressive and anxiety-produced symptoms have had, over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, suicidal tendencies.

To prevent these types of thoughts, there are physical ways to stay mentally healthy. There are five recommended fields of physical health that people should focus on to stay mentally stable: exercise, hygiene, sleep, diet and possible medication.

First, physical exercise. Getting physical exercise can not only improve your mood and well-being but also release productive chemicals in the brain to get it flowing in a positive way. Exercise can also, of course, keep the body itself in shape and healthy. 

Physical exercise, if someone doesn’t usually work out, can be achieved at a slow pace. Perhaps for a week, one could walk 10 minutes every day, and then, the next week, that same person could instead walk 20 minutes a day and do ten sit-ups every other day. Whatever fits one’s schedule, and whatever comfort level the person feels they should try. 

Physical exercise could also be more relaxing strategies, such as yoga and meditation, which have both been shown to have the same effects as other methods of physical exercise.

Second, hygiene. Hygiene works in the same way as physical exercise. By keeping the body healthy, in turn, the mind will also be more healthy. Hygiene is also important for the body, similar to physical exercise. Remember to clean oneself every day and take proper steps to maintain personal care routines.

Next, sleep. Sleep is the body’s and mind’s way of recharging and rebalancing. It is recommended by the CDC that teens 13-18 should get a total of eight-10 hours of sleep, while 19 year-olds and up should get from seven-nine hours of sleep. Remember, without sleep, the brain can not function properly, which could potentially ruin one’s attitude towards life.

Next, diet. Having a diet is crucial to maintain both hygiene and physical exercise since the diet incorporates how much the body is absorbing in calories and other nutrients. An improper diet can mess with both hygiene and physical exercise portions of the day, as well as general actions on a daily basis. It is recommended by MyPlate to have an equal and proper amount of fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains and dairy products for a healthy diet.

Finally, possible medication. If depressive and anxiety-produced symptoms still occur after the first four aspects listed above, one still might have underlying conditions, which might require a professional medical service, which could lead to medication. 

If this does occur, make sure medication is taken every day so proper effects take place within the body that can help with mental health, and avoid alcohol, drugs and other unhealthy addictions and obsessions as these will not help with recovery. According to a Mayo Clinic survey, there has been a major increase in alcohol and drug abuse in adults due to mental health symptoms. This will only worsen symptoms and health in general.

Overall, by maintaining and improving physical exercise, hygiene, sleep, diet and possible medication, mental instability should not be resolved, but somewhat improved. Because one can’t simply get rid of or resolve mental distress, one must cope and live with it in a healthy way.