
“One small crack does not mean that you are broken, it means that you were put to the test and you didn’t fall apart.”
It’s okay to not be okay sometimes. This entire situation has shown us that sometimes things fall outside of our control and we must learn to be okay with it. Patience, in times like this, is key. We have all been through our own hardships and we have all learned to deal with them on our own.
However, the silver lining between this one is the fact that we are all experiencing this together.
We have all lost something during this time, wither it be freedom, your job, money or the ability to see loved ones. The way to handle this time is simply to change your thought process. Rather than seeing this situation as a loss of something, take this time to gain something new such as a hobby, a new talent, time for self-care you did not have before or even doing absolutely nothing for once. Be lazy it’s okay!
Below is a list of ways to keep your mental health in check during this challenging time. Always remember you are not alone!
- You are allowed to feel the way you are feeling. These feelings are justified. However, what is not okay is letting yourself get immersed in negative thoughts. One way to avoid negative though is through meditation. Apps such as headspace and calm are great examples of this. Other options are youtube videos with meditation guides. This will help ease your thoughts into something a little different.
- Listen to music! Something happy and upbeat, your favorite artist or even find something new! Studies have shown that music has the ability to alleviate pain, mental and physical. It can even help you sleep better at night, reduce stress and make you want to dance the pain away!
- Watch a comedy! The best way to decrease stress is simply by laughing. Sometimes a good laugh can change your mood from gloomy to cheerful in minutes. Try watching a stand-up comedian on Youtube or watch a comedy on Netflix. This is will help you keep your mind clear of negativity even if it’s just for an hour or two.
- Get Lots of sleep! Now is the time to catch up on all the rest you’ve been missing due to work, kids or more. An hour before sleeping try and not use any electronics, this keeps your mind racing and busy. Instead, pick up a book and try reading before bed. Don’t forget, take a nap! Release your inner child again and have a 30-minute mid-day nap! This is proven to make you feel more energized and aware.
- Pick up a book! Whether it be a self-help book, mystery, fiction or even a biography, reading helps you escape your own thoughts and fall into someone else’s for a change.
- Go for a walk! during this time it’s easy to stay inside and find yourself feeling stuck. However, you are allowed to go outside and enjoy nature, you just must remain at a safe distance from others, preferably 2 meters to 2 “hockey sticks” apart.
Always remember that things will start to get better. Times are tough right now but you are not in this alone. The government is doing everything it can to keep us safe and healthy. Every day we are one step closer to this all being over. Remind yourself to always look at the glass half full rather than half empty.
Remember to reach out to your friends and loved ones, via phone or Facetime when you are feeling overwhelmed. It is important to talk about how you are feeling and to express these feelings to those that can help.
Also, you can call the COVID-19 helpline (1-866-996-0991) if you are feeling overwhelmed, they are here to help! Stay off social media when you are feeling down, yes the information is great however, too much information is not good for overthinking. When things feel out of our control it is natural to panic. During this time you must remain aware that this situation is only temporary and our community is all working together to stay safe and to end this troubling time.
After rain always comes sunshine and rainbows. We are strong, we are in this together and you are not alone.
Stay safe, stay aware and stay positive!
The River Street Endodontics Team