Unconventional times require strange methods to nurture mental health.
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Self-care during chaotic times can seem like trying to fill a bathtub with a leaky bucket and a broken drain, while blindfolded.
Gone are the days when relief can be found with a brisk walk in the park or a simple mantra. The pandemic is forcing us to be warriors, with jarring disturbances at every turn. Staying well feels like a full-time job.
Given the nature of what is at hand, some creative approaches, backed by science, are warranted:
1. Worry less about what other people think.
this is stellar wisdom in general and the guiding principle when trying to enact unconventional strategies. It is better to take the risk of looking foolish than to feel bad.
2. Find a metaphor that captures what you’re going through.
Therapists are known for providing metaphors to help their patients explain phenomena, process emotions, and manage difficult circumstances. Creating abstractions can help us see stress from a different point of view, improve our ability to illustrate our emotions and experiences, and convey our needs.
3. Don’t be scared of humor.
If you can’t laugh out loud sometimes, you might break down. Humor is seen as a protective factor against resilience. Being silly and irreverent can provide the necessary diffusion of tensions.
4. Accept your weirdness.
To get started with this, I recommend reading little rare by Jenny Slate. I’m obsessed with Jenny Slate like Boston sports fans are her team. Her candor, wit, and artistry not only transcend, but also, in my opinion, provide solid inspiration for writing. Consider writing a short article about an aspect of yourself that is weirdly wonderful, in true Slate fashion.
5. Strike up a conversation with a complete stranger.
Life is uncomfortable, and the pandemic has made it more difficult, with the use of masks, distancing, and the loss of most of the signs that we used to have access to when we could see real human faces, and people did not cringe when they were within. a 19 foot radius from us. Research shows that these microinteractions can improve our mood and sense of belonging.
6. Divide into songs and sounds from childhood.
We all have them etched into our minds, and even if you don’t want to reveal them in public or on a Zoom call, these jingles and sounds can evoke positive memories and emotions that help ease all the seriousness of adult life.
7. Make a good joke.
Submit a rebuttal to TikTok’s prank culture and instead choose someone in your life to give them a nice surprise. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture: a sticky note, a funny meme, a small act of service, an affirmation, an inside joke, and funny gag gifts all do the trick. Good surprises nurture our relationships and boost the morale of both sender and receiver.
8. Create a simulated trip.
For those working remotely, few miss the dangers of traffic and rerouted texting, but there is something to be said for the constant grind. Routines, rituals, and structure are invaluable in our efforts to stay calibrated. Consider ways to create a simulated journey, such as taking a walk before logging in, listening to uplifting music and podcasts, or engaging in any mini-rituals that can be repeated daily to feed and prime the brain.
Maintaining mental health during difficult times is no easy task. Keeping our creativity flowing can help us implement unconventional self-care strategies that nurture well-being and help us avoid being pulverized by the constant stress at hand. Cultivating wonder and gratitude In our daily lives, we can make a positive contribution to well-being. Start by choosing one that seems the most fun and doable, and build your repertoire from there.
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