As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month in quarantine, it’s highly likely that being kept inside our homes with little interaction with the outside world is affecting our mental health. The lack of human interaction and socialization that we are all very used to is definitely a formidable foe in terms of our mental health. These factors, however, differ from one person to another. The way the quarantine affects our mental health is different from how it affects the mental health of, say, a frontliner or a millennial. Introverts and extroverts may also be taking the quarantines differently, with most extroverts longing for social connection and most introverts enjoying the solitude.
Ms. Irene A.Castillo, an ASHS Guidance Counselor, said that while the quarantines are implemented for the greater good and the safety of us all, it may create psycho emotional issues along the way. So while it is important to maintain our physical well-being through good hygiene and social distancing, it’s a must that we look after our emotional well-being as well. Here are a few things that we can do during the remaining days of the quarantine to ensure our holistic well-being according to Ms. Castillo herself!
- Focus on self improvement.
Establishing new productive routines and following a daily or weekly schedule will keep you active, but don’t forget to include nap times alternatively with your time for chores, advanced classes, or CET reviews! Doing too much of one thing isn’t good so it’s important that you also take a rest once in a while.
- Take breaks from screen time.
While it’s important to be updated with current events especially during this time, this can add to your stress, fear, and anxiety which is a big no-no when it comes to your well-being. Overexposure to detrimental news can put you into a downward mood spiral, so you can just stick to the essentials to keep yourself up to date.
- Explore your geeky pleasures.
If you’re into K-drama, J-dorama, Chinese drama, or any other series, now’s the time to indulge in your favorites. Host watch parties or watch them with your family. You can also explore new interests such as cooking or painting, or you can proceed to reading that book you bought a year ago but haven’t touched once yet.
- Declutter.
This is a good time to clean up your workspace, your social media accounts, and even your inner space. Arrange your work area, block or unfollow accounts that bring negative energy, and try to meditate and maintain your inner peace. It’s high time to Mari Kondo your home and your inner self.
- Do rain checks with friends and family.
Maximize technology to reach out to your loved ones. Check up on them and ask how they are doing amid this crisis. It’s in times like these that social connection and interaction are most important so that we can still feel humanized and that we are important.
- JOMO!
Appreciate the joy of missing out. Sometimes, it’s okay to do nothing for a while. Resting the mind and the body rejuvenates the spirit. Relaxing and resting are two key things to a healthy mind and body, but remember to not overdo it.
- Ground and center yourself.
True to the Ateneo and Jesuit formation, reflection and meditation can be a great way to maintain inner peace. The consciousness examen, for example, is one of many ways to reflect on the events of your week. Journaling is also a great way to reflect and to keep track of your day and how you felt. Spending time for prayer can also help nurture one’s spirit especially during this difficult time.
Apart from these, the Ateneo Senior High School is actually setting up a page to offer counseling services for students who are having a difficult time dealing with their mental health. According to Ms. Castillo, the page will be called R U OK? Ateneo SHS Wellness Helpline. Currently, the page is still being polished and is still under construction, but once it’s up and running, students will be welcome to get in touch with whoever counselor they are most comfortable with.
During times like these, social connections and human interactions are indeed important in order for us to keep ourselves mentally and emotionally healthy. Offering our support by reaching out to others is a great way to show that we care. Likewise, seeking help and encouragement from others is not a sign of weakness, and should definitely be an option to consider when dealing with negative emotions. Together, let’s fight against not only the physical threat that is the virus and the disease, but also the mental distress alongside it.
Author
Ian Bartolome
Editor-in-Chief
HiLites ASHS 