Mental Struggles and Ways to Cope During Unprecedented Times
By Athena Yeung
The global pandemic that has shocked the world has caused mixed emotions and feelings of distress and chaos for many. Especially in times like these, I believe that it is crucial for us to unwind and find ourselves within the overwhelming change that society has undergone.
Our lives have become unpredictable, and you are definitely not alone. Students struggle with distance learning and the dubious future of education, employed adults fear the volatility of the market and the potential loss of employment, young children are lost in confusion in a completely new world, and the elderly have increased health concerns about what is entailed in their sickening environment. Inequality regarding racial injustice and police brutality have surfaced again and have instigated anger among the millions of colored citizens in the United States. Despite all of this, we must find peace within ourselves and understand that our reaction to situations that are inflicted upon us is what matters the most, and not external factors that we can not control.
We are all stuck at home, and despite the fact that most of our days are eventless, I strongly suggest that you find ways to keep yourself busy. Take this opportunity to spend more time with your family and create a stronger bond with siblings and parents. Hang out with your friends virtually and check in with them. By staying strong together, we will be able to sustain our motivation, productivity and mental health.
Here are some activities that I have been implementing into my schedule to stay mentally healthy and active as a high schooler:
Staying in touch with friends and relatives
Limiting screen time and interaction with the media/news
Be active, go outside and have an exercise routine
Learn something new (cooking, languages, coding, writing)
Have dedicated time to relax and care for yourself
Organize your living space and area
Support local businesses
Find a time to be grateful for what you have and keep a timely mannered routine
The beginning of 2020 has introduced us to the extent of possibilities that can be thrown at us. This new decade has opened our eyes to unseen history and events.
I encourage you to look at things in a brighter light, find a new perspective and open your mind to the essence of having time to understand your values. Implement what you have learned this year into your new lifestyle and how you will approach situations in the future. Learn to love others unconditionally and understand that no day lived should be taken for granted. You can achieve so much, and during this time I want you to reflect on your standing in society and your self-worth.
As Rainer Maria Rilke once said, “Right in the difficult we must have our joys, our happiness, our dreams: there against the depth of this background, they stand out, there for the first time we see how beautiful they are”.