In times of crises, individuals often grapple with a surge of stress, fear, and sometimes anxiety about the uncertain future. Acknowledging the significance of psychological well-being becomes paramount, particularly during these challenging moments. The goal is to build a resilient psychological defense against the exaggerated manifestations of stress and anxiety.
Global crises resulting from conflicts and wars have left a profound impact on mental health. A consultant psychiatrist emphasized the insights of economic psychology experts from the American Psychological Association. Their advice can aid in mitigating the effects of such crises. It includes advising individuals to adopt a more frugal lifestyle, abstain from luxuries, and resist the temptation of taking on loans or debts during these tumultuous times.
Stress, whether short-term or long-term, mild or severe, is a formidable challenge. Hence, there is a growing consensus on the need to allocate a greater budget to mental health, recognizing its vital role in enhancing productivity, optimizing human resources, increasing work efficiency, and fostering an environment conducive to investment.
Dr Saleh bin Saif al Hinai shares practical ways to alleviate psychological pressure during crises.
He suggests spiritual practices to engage in worship, charity, recitation of holy texts, and supplication to find solace and reduce stress.
Restorative sleep, according to him, is necessary. It ensures get enough sleep, as it is a powerful stress-reducer to relax muscles and revitalises mind.
One must incorporate daily exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. It not only reduces stress but also boosts your mood, according to doctors and nutrition experts.
Dr Al Hinai puts stress on a healthy diet. “Embrace a wholesome diet rich in vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while avoiding sugary and processed foods. Such a diet aids in detoxification and improves mood.”
He calls for seeking support from trusted individuals or consult psychologists to find solutions and effectively cope with psychological and emotional pressures.
“Concentrate on factors within your control and engage in self-learning or attend development courses to tackle workplace issues effectively,” he says.
An important way to be stress-free is “Media detox. Steer clear of news and social media content that could intensify anxiety. Instead, dedicate time to journaling your feelings and thoughts, fostering self-awareness.”
Dr Al Hinai also suggests getting calming sounds, listening to music, religious texts, or soothing sounds like laughter or nature to relax mind.
He suggests to spend time outdoors, particularly in natural settings like the seaside, to breathe in fresh air, which boosts oxygen intake and diminishes stress.
These strategies, when applied, can form a robust armour against the toll of stress and anxiety during times of crisis, nurturing mental well-being and resilience.
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