Mental Health in a Pandemic

This episode will bring to light mental health issues that we are all currently facing with Covid-19. We break down why pandemics are bad for overall mental health and give the listeners solutions to help with poor mental health caused by various factors to lead to a healthier, happier, and more sustainable life. Shelter in place during quarantine ultimately leads to isolation which has been linked to significant increased physical and mental health risks. These effects of isolation include depression, poor sleep quality, cognitive decline, and Impaired immune system. More studies show that an increase in anxiety, depression, and stress can be directly correlated to individuals not having a sense of purpose. With everything being shut down and millions of people losing their jobs during Covid-19, this is another logical reason for individuals to have poor mental health. Thankfully, there are remedies that anyone can start adopting now to start improving their mental health during this pandemic. According to a study published in the International Journal Of Preventative Medicine, yoga can play a significant role in reducing physical and mental stress, anxiety, and depression. Randomized controlled trial published in Nashville Public Radio last year stated that symptoms of depression dropped significantly among the test group of young adults after they followed a Mediterranean-style pattern of eating for just three weeks4. Exercise can improve your mental health and overall mood. Endorphins like dopamine and serotonin are released during and after exercise. Working out daily can help you regulate depression, anxiety, and stress. Lastly, consistent and quality sleep each night has been linked to significant improvements in mental health including increased mood, improved memory, and clearer judgment.