RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – It is already known that isolation and social distancing have affected the mental health of the vast majority of people in one way or another.
A psychologist on the Doctorino platform, Vera de Melo, recalls the value of adopting certain behaviors, thoughts, and ways of life that help to overcome this situation.
To help in this effort, she shared five tips:
Accept that nothing is permanent except change – long ago, in ancient Greece, Heraclitus had said that nothing is permanent except change. However, this concept is difficult to enter into our lives and even more so into our minds.
But an invisible enemy devoid of life suddenly penetrated our routines and everything we believed to be stable was altered and we finally came to believe in the inevitability of change. Do not take anything for granted and have the humbleness to be grateful for what you have and the boldness to want to go further. Keep in mind that nothing is permanent.
Be patient – learn to tolerate uncertainty. Accept that what was, for now, has changed to “one of these days”. Accept that even if you have no control over certain things, you are always in control of how you will react to the absence of such control.
Patience leads to peace and to see things more clearly, to knowing how to react, correctly, rationally, and responsibly. Activate it, bring serenity, intelligence, and prudence with you. Remember that we are not in a 100-meter race, but rather in a marathon.
Perseverance – persevering in the new reality will allow you to face each challenge so that giving up is not part of your plans. To begin with, set a clear goal. Without a goal, there is no action, and without purpose, there is no motivation.
Positivity, a sense of effectiveness, and self-assurance are the basic ingredients for accomplishing achievements. Practice a positive approach. You can, however, stop to reflect and gain new perspectives, but refrain from stagnating, caught in the web of discouragement and disbelief.
Accept Vulnerability: A cry of courage – someone who accepts one’s vulnerability is not afraid to expose oneself, to express oneself genuinely, sincerely, and to take risks. People “strip away” and unveil their true essence.
They feel stronger, more confident in themselves, with greater experience, but above all, a greater ability to face future challenges. They develop a self-image of greater ability and strength to cope with future adversities.
Focus on solutions, not problems – everything you focus on increases in relevance. It seems like a basic truth, but if it were, we would quickly focus on the right things, in this case, the solutions, rather than the problems. Focus on what is truly important.