Five ways to improve your well-being and ‘Brave The New’ normal amidst COVID-19

From cancelled graduations to job retrenchments, COVID-19 has been a huge damper on things, making it a tough year for many of us.

Adjusting to a new way of life can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. That’s why it is so important for us to support and care for one another during such trying times.

Here are five ways to manage your emotions and improve your well-being, according to SGUnited’s new ‘Brave The New‘ campaign, which aims to help Singaporeans cope with the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Before we can care for others, we have to take care of ourselves first.

We might feel compelled to brush aside our own struggles, but acknowledging our emotions is the first step in tackling these anxieties and understanding our mental or emotional states.

Spare a few seconds answering the Mindline.sg Self-Assessment, a clinically validated tool, for tips or resources that are customised specifically to your responses.

The site features a section with personal stories, such as this one of a university student who was afraid to hug her parents after recovering from COVID-19.

You can also extend aid to others by volunteering with the Healthcare Corps to support COVID-19 efforts or making a donation to Community Chest in support of disadvantaged families.

Head here to check out other available causes and organisations.

Sometimes what we need to do is take a step back and a deep breath in order to clear our heads – we cannot think properly when our minds are clouded with thoughts.

Helping to meet that need, the Brave The New site has several materials and resources available.

One such resource would be their relaxation audio clips, each one being three minutes long. There are four audio clips: Guided Imagery, Progressive Relaxation, Deep Breathing and Mindfulness (Body Scan). You can also listen to them on Spotify.

The audio clips suggest mindful exercises to help you focus on the present instead of negative possibilities or possibly overthinking. Guided Imagery, for example, prompts you to picture serene settings.

Being at home longer than usual has caused many to adopt unhealthy eating habits. For some of us, our sleeping schedules might have been messed up too.

However, we still need to ensure that we are eating and sleeping well. Not doing so can be detrimental to our health or affect our level of productivity.

Drinking water, at least six to eight glasses daily, is a simple and efficient way to stay healthy. If you need a little flavour, add some fruits or herbs and get an extra dose of nutrients as well!

There are tons of exercises videos on YouTube, from simple stretches to intense weight-based workouts, for you to follow. Always remember to warm up your body beforehand!

But staying active doesn’t always mean getting out of the house or doing a Chloe Ting workout marathon. Doing household chores, such as the dishes or laundry, works just as well.

After we have taken care of ourselves, we can fully devote our time to those around us.

Being there for someone doesn’t always have to be in a huge or extravagant manner because small acts like sending them a text or ordering GrabFood delivery can mean a lot.

You can show your care and concern by being there for your loved ones and lending a listening ear to their worries, or looking out for them by reassuring them of your presence and support. You could also mimic a bucket list with Health Hub’s 14-day #JustCheckingIn template.

Although our friends or family are good and crucial support systems, there may be times extra support is needed.

They may require a more proficient or well-informed individual to process what they’re going through, but it doesn’t mean you’re not part of their journey.

If your friends ever feel that they need professional help, you can contact the National Care Hotline at 6202 6868 or Belle, Beyond The Label Helpbot.

Head here for additional support resources and here to find out more about Brave The New.

Feeling bored at home? Hop on to Cr8studiosg to watch chat shows, stand-up comedy and music performances! Or visit MehGoWhere.SG for more resources or things to do!