The Government of Kenya through Health Cabinet Secretary CS Mutahi Kagwe continues to emphasize on quarantine, self-isolation, and working from home as some of the ways to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
And while this effort is for the public good — and one of the best ways to “flatten the curve” of the virus proliferation — navigating the new normal won’t be easy especially if you are used to outdoors. For persons with disabilities, it is becoming difficult as most of them work hand to mouth and need to be out there.
To support persons with disabilities during this season in terms of their mental health, below are some of the tips we have wrapped up for you:
1. Physical Activity.
Spending a lot more time at home does not mean you get to be a couch potato. Any form of physical activity will help sharpen your focus and aids sleep. Helping with house chores, cleaning out your house, or even simply moving around your limbs can serve as a workout session. Try to stretch, go to your sitting room and do some squats, have someone massage you, put on your mask and take a walk around your compound.
2. Consume less sugar or avoid sugar
Scientists have proven that high amounts of sugar have a stress-heightening effect. Warm soothing foods like bone soup and sugarless teas can help thwart stress. Other helpful foods include whole-grains, bananas, oranges, water, and traditional leaves
3. Avoid Nonstop consumption of news
Although it is important to stay informed and alert to what is happening around us, avoid bombarding yourself with inaccurate or depressing information especially before bed or as soon as you wake up
4. Write, paint, draw
Be creative. Write a poem, publish a blog, paint or draw yourself. You will be surprised at how much using your creativity will improve your moods
5. Do you
Finally, if you have already figured out what reduces your stress levels, do………..Just that. This list is not exhaustive, and can never be, Ï end this in the words of Dalai Lama “If you feel burnout setting in, if you feel exhausted and demoralised, it is best for the sake of everyone to withdraw and reset yourself.’’