COVID BLUES

Covid 19 is real people, do stay safe out there and use your masks. As with every illness, Covid 19 leaves behind an impact not only on the physical BUT even much more on the mental state. Depression is real as we here refer to it as the Covid Blues, occasioned by the general onslaught of the pandemic, for some, the 'burden' of actually 'living' through the virus, being quarantined and even stigmatized in some cases.

Regular exercise can profoundly have a positive impact on your mental health by boosting your overall mood. 

Here are some key lessons on dealing with your mental health through fitness and health:-

1. Whatever you feed your body is what you get out.

2. Start by making little changes, clean up your diet.

3. Drink more water.

4. Do YOU! Be at a weight (get a body) that you are happy with. You can't please everyone.

5. Losing weight does not improve self esteem.

6. Most IMPORTANTLY, start SMALL!!!

7. FINALLY, there will be failures! Yes, there will be stops and starts, what's important is that you realize this and start again!

Navigating med.school is an ongoing process for me right now, she says and the workload (just as in life generally) could impact one's mental health and well being BUT these are some of the ways I cope and I hope it helps someone listening.

1. Your support system is important - Friends, Family, anyone that means anything to you. Where you can vent, talk and generally just be yourself.

2. Do YOU! Always find what works for you. You cannot want to run someone else's race, do what works for you.

3. Remember always, that no-one is an Island. You need people or you will FAIL!!

4. It's OK to be tired BUT don't let it get the better of you.

5. Drop your phone sometimes. Take a walk, sleep. Just CHILL!

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, evidence of things not seen.

The greatest things to be thankful for - The gift of Life as well as Family (the support system that matters more than anything)

Commune with The Lord in Prayer

Worshiping in spirit and truth

Fasting is key to any one, not only as Christians BUT as humans (this could also be medically confirmed / verified). 

In the place of quiet, you are able to know God even better.

In all things, remember, Wisdom is profitable to direction.

One’s mental wellness within the workplace is very important BUT questions are often asked about the Millennials; dealing with them and their attitude generally within the workplace as well as how the current pandemic might have affected them and their work ethics.

Millennials get a bad rap in the workforce. These 20-somethings are often accused of being disrespectful, indifferent to authority, overly self-confident, needy and prone to job hopping!? To an extent, these might be true BUT many of these criticisms are exaggerated.

Some key lessons from our HR consultant -

1. Involvement: Try to involve them in whatever actions being carried out.

2. Openness is needed to address a harmonious work environment (from both parties to listen and act).

3. Balance the teams and give everyone an equal voice irrespective of age or position.

4. Let everyone feel comfortable to speak as well as understand that their opinions / suggestions are valid.

5. Give everyone the opportunity to implement whatever tasks they are given.

6. OPENNESS is key!

Eye Opening, down to earth and true talk with the following business and life lessons learnt -

1. Talk to The Lord. Yes, TALK!

2. There is no problem too BIG to share, speak to someone, find someone you trust to speak with.

3. Love what you do! Be happy doing what you do or are doing because if and definitely when life happens, your backbone is / will be the conviction or love for whatever you are doing.

4. Don't be afraid to fail, just keep it moving!

5. Don't be lost in the crowd, run your own race. STAY ON YOUR LANE!

My I.T Experience was a 'blow' of sorts to my mental health as it was my first 'adulting' experience BUT I was able to deal / cope.

Some key lessons on how she coped and possibly how others could cope on their IT experience or even within the workplace.

1. Your boss is always right. Even when you have an opinion, state it later.

2. Rein yourself in. You are human BUT you need to learn how to keep a poker face, not everything needs to be let out

3. Do your work. You are there for a reason and you always need to 'show up' as a 'trooper'.

4. Reading and writing were an outlet, they helped. Find your outlet - Reading, Writing, Exercising anything

5. If you are doing anything, DO IT WELL! Live life and ENJOY it.