SFA promotes three ways to protect your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic
These days we all know that looking after our mental health is as important as investing in our physical health, because the two are closely connected and one bolsters the other.
Taking care of our mental well-being has become even more important since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and the introduction of social distancing, self-isolation, and the Kingdom’s stay-at-home recommendations. The current situation can also lead to feelings of being overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed, but it’s important to recognize these are a normal response to the current unprecedented situation. More importantly, there are proactive easy steps to take which can help minimize negative thoughts which we all have from time to time.
The Saudi Sports for All Federation (SFA), through its recently launched Baytak Nadeek initiative (Your Home, Your Gym), has a series of informative articles on its Healthy Living portal which include tips and advice on maintaining a positive outlook. The portal also includes an inspiring letter from the President of the SFA, HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal highlighting the importance of supporting one another to encourage positivity and strength. It also reminds us that the SFA is reaching out day and night online to help alleviate feelings of loneliness. You can read his letter here.
The SFA’s three top tips towards promoting a calm and healthy mind:
Setting aside a little time each day to encourage mindfulness and being present in the moment is one of the oldest forms of self-care. It is known to be beneficial in reducing stress and anxiety. The article provides advice on how to introduce meditation into your daily routine and how to get started on your meditation journey.
Everyone has an open invitation to follow the SFA’s Twitter and Instagram accounts and join an online community discussing all things health- and fitness-related. Social media helps keep people connected, raises morale, as well as providing motivation and inspiration for your health journey. It also includes a list of other social media accounts to follow to help keep you feeling engaged and connected.
Lesser known benefits of taking a walk
A daily stroll is proven to improve mental health. It improves overall mood, happiness, and self- esteem. Although it is not currently possible to walk outside with the present coronavirus restrictions, it is still possible to keep our step count up either in the garden or around the home – every little bit helps!
It is essential to boost our mental health in the coronavirus era and minimize the impact of the virus and social distancing on our lives. Following the SFA’s advice and taking proactive steps to look after your mental well-being will also benefit our physical health.
And with Ramadan right around the corner, it is the perfect opportunity to reach out to family and friends who we would normally spend time with, just to check-in and make sure they are doing well. Even if we can’t be with them in person, we can show a little kindness and let them know we are thinking of them, which will have a positive effect not just for them but for you as well.
So, get ready to inject some positivity with some mindful meditation, making connections through social media and making sure you get your daily step count in. A healthy mind means a healthy body, and these are the things which will see us safely through these unprecedented times.
