Tips for Parents on Remaining Emotionally Healthy as the Pandemic Lags On
Marjorie McMillian
Image via Pexels
The pandemic has been an emotionally traumatizing experience for people across the globe. You can see the effects everywhere you turn. Children have been hit especially hard as COVID is expected to have a lasting impact on the world’s most vulnerable young people. As a parent, it is up to you to set a positive example so that your own children learn positive coping mechanisms for themselves.
This article focuses on you and covers a few ways you as a parent can find stress relief while boosting your confidence so that you can be there for your child when they need you. Refer to this article for tips on supporting your children as well.
Honesty Is the Best Policy
Before you can begin to tackle your emotions, you have to be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. Look at each area of your life to evaluate how it affects your mental health. Are you happy at your job? Do your relationships fill you full of energy or drain you completely? Before you can make changes that perpetuate positivity, you have to know where, exactly, you need to make them.
Money Mayhem
Even before the pandemic, many people experienced a cash crunch. Prices on everything from real estate to food are exponentially high, and money doesn’t go as far as it once did. Look for ways to juggle your finances so that you don’t feel like you are always pinching for pennies. One idea is to refinance your home. Although this can decrease some equity, it can help add money to your liquid funds. And if you’re simply looking to lower your mortgage payment, refinancing helps you there as well if you don’t cash out and interest rates are lower than what you’re currently paying.
Engage in Exercise
Exercise has many benefits, among these are better sleep, more happy chemicals released from your brain, increased cognitive function, reduced anxiety, and greater self-confidence. This doesn’t mean you have to join a gym, and simply walking each afternoon or attending an outdoors group exercise class can help you reach your health and fitness goals.
Take a Jab at the Job Market
Do you hate your job? If so, you are probably stressed out every day when you clock out. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in your current position, there are lots of opportunities for change. You can always go back to school or look toward the most in-demand jobs for 2021. These include solar panel installer, personal care aide, and information security analyst.
Rely on Relaxation
There is no denying that being an adult is busy. Between work, kids, social obligations, and household chores, we are always doing something. This makes it difficult to unwind. But, as PsychCentral explains, there are a few simple ways to relax. These include stepping away from social media, practicing mindfulness, and spending time in nature.
Involve the Kids
Most importantly, you should find ways to spend more quality time with your children. Time spent with family builds memories and reminds your children that you are always there for them. Volunteer together, go hiking, or simply pay a visit to your local library. Whatever you choose to do, involve the kids in the planning process and enjoy.
The pandemic came out of nowhere, and it caught many of us off guard. But we’ve all gotten used to it by now, and vaccines have given us a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. If you notice your children suffering the emotional ramifications of this global crisis, you want to do your best to help them. But remember, before you can truly help them, you have to be emotionally healthy, and the tips above can help.
The International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions was founded in 1937 with the mission to promote policies and practices that promote positive mental health in young psychiatric patients. Become a member today.
To read more by Marjorie McMillian: http://www.comeongetwell.net
