6 Tips for Maintaining Mental Health When Sick

by    /   10 Mar 2022   /   

Mental and physical health are inseparable. A healthy physique will lead us to have a healthy mentality, the opposite also applies when we are sick. Unfit body conditions can cause mental health problems. The burden of the mind can also affect the body which was originally healthy to be vulnerable.

The worse a person’s mental condition when sick can also hinder the healing process. For example, when someone is mentally ill, they will definitely be confused. Various questions such as when will he recover, how can he recover quickly, even things like how much money will have to be spent and the risk of being left behind due to illness will also continue to be thought of.

If allowed to continue, the situation will be difficult to control and stress will only exacerbate existing diseases. One thing that can be done is to maintain mental health in all conditions. You can start doing it with some of the following tips.

1. Thinking Positive

Stress often arises because we always think about the worst that could happen. Even though it’s hard, but try to start thinking positively. Convince yourself that there will always be small things to be grateful for, besides that try to be fully aware of what you are facing.

Positive thoughts can help us have a better mood and the days we live can be happier.

2. Try Doing Light Physical Activity

Even if you are sick, try to do a little activity that makes your body move. Just lying in bed can not be very good if done continuously.

Light physical activity such as morning walks, gymnastics or yoga can be an option. You also don’t have to spend a lot of time, 20-30 minutes of physical activity is considered sufficient. With physical activity, the body will release endorphins which have the benefit of being a natural pain reliever and improve mood.

Another benefit that can be obtained from routinely doing light physical activity is an increase in the quality of sleep that is getting deeper.

3. Maintain Consumption of Nutritional Intake to Stay Balanced

When sick, the body’s immune system will work hard to fight the disease-causing pathogens. Of course, our body’s immune cells need adequate nutrition to be able to continue to fight the disease that is attacking.

Often a person is lazy to eat because of stress, but keep in mind to return to health, balanced nutritional intake is important. You can consume foods that contain lots of protein and carbohydrates, because these 2 substances play an important role as food for our body’s cells. Also balance with the consumption of vitamins, minerals and essential fats that are good for the body.

4. Use Social Media Wisely

Excessive use of social media can cause mental disorders in someone. Feelings of anxiety, depression and low self-esteem can arise if we continue to access negative social media content.

Accessing social media when the physical and mental conditions are vulnerable due to illness must be of great concern. It is wise to only access positive content that can improve our mood. Social media which is highly addictive can be a good medium for healing if we can use it properly and correctly.

5. Maintain Relations with Family and Friends

Simple sayings like “Get well soon!” may sound simple, but it shows that there are still people who care about us.

Pain will certainly limit the activities we used to do before. Try to keep updating our relatives and friends, because moral support from people we know can also give encouragement so that we can get well soon.

6. Make Yourself Laugh More

Since ancient times, laughter has been regarded as a medicine to restore enthusiasm when you are sick. This is because when we laugh, the production of stress hormones, such as cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), and dopamine will decrease. Laughter will actually increase the production of endorphins so you will feel better

Laughter reduces stress, is healthy for the heart and boosts the immune system. Try watching comedy shows and funny videos to bring back your laugh.

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