By Dr. Tamara Cannon

Unprecedented. Trying. Uncertain.  These are all words that have been used to describe the year of 2020.  The fear of contracting COVID-19 has brought a sense of unsafety.  Quarantine and social distancing have changed the way we move in the world.  Racial turmoil and political division have changed the way we relate to each other.  As this year comes to a close, there remains a lingering collective feeling of burnout.  

We have been faced with tremendous loss this year and our sense of normalcy has been significantly disrupted.  It is difficult to celebrate joyous moments and commune for family losses due to social distancing.  

Many people have expressed uneasiness, anxiety, and feelings of being overwhelmed during this year.  Even Michelle Obama revealed that she has experienced a “low grade depression” during her recent podcast.  Grief expert, David Kessler, explained that the distress that we are feeling at this time is grief. Grief is an arduous process which comes with an array of emotions that can be difficult to manage. As we navigate our way through this time of uncertainty, how do we maintain a sense of mental wellness?

Tips for Mental Wellness

Support Your Physical Health

It is important to remember that your physical and mental wellness are inextricably tied.  They cannot exist without each other.  In order to recharge during times of stress, activities which are essential to our livelihood should be a priority. 

Adequate sleep, physical activity and balanced eating are the foundations of physical well being.  If you can maintain these fundamentals, your body will be allowed to work as it was designed and help keep you healthy and recharged.

Acknowledge Your Emotions

Using self-awareness to identify what you feel at any moment can be crucial in helping you deal with overwhelming life circumstances.  It may feel easier or more comfortable to distract from negative emotions because no one wants to feel bad.  However, acknowledging emotions is the first step through tough times and a sign of strength.  Consider this wheel of emotion to help you identify your emotions.  http://feelingswheel.com/

Maintain Social Connection

Connecting with yourself is important to your mental health, but connecting with others is just as important.  While it may take more creative approaches to connect socially during this time, we need to actively maintain connection with our family, friends and communities.   

Take a Break

Attempting to sustain in difficult times can deplete your physical and emotional energy.  Often, life is so busy that the feeling of exhaustion may become what feels normal.  Giving yourself permission to take a break and practice self-care is vital to maintaining overall wellness.  Self-care can look like a hot bath, a good hearty laugh, calling an old friend or even making that overdue dentist appointment.   

Create an Attitude of Gratitude

There is a strong association between gratitude and happiness.  Gratitude can help us improve health outcomes, deal with adversity and build relationships. Developing a gratitude practice will help you connect with moments of joy and pleasure.  A few ways to cultivate gratitude are meditating, journaling, and expressing your appreciation of others. 

Resources

https://grief.com/

https://positivepsychology.com/gratitude-research/

If this post resonates with you and you are looking for a therapist in Dallas, feel free to contact us at Wellness 360 Dallas! We have daytime and evening hours. We would be happy to consult with you.