If one thing is for sure it’s that we will all remember 2020! The covid-19 pandemic has changed the world for the present and perhaps, in some ways, for the future. Businesses have been forced to close for long periods and many have not reopened. People have been furloughed or are out of a job. Many of us may have lost loved ones to the disease, and millions have suffered from this terrible illness.
Health has become an issue in other ways, too. For people who already suffer from mental health issues the pandemic has been an assault on many fronts. Depression and anxiety have been exaggerated by the enforced change in routine, and with restrictions on movement there have been fewer opportunities to enjoy time outdoors.
In this article we are going to talk about ways in which you can improve your wellness while waiting for things to return to normal, with particular attention on mental health and how you can keep your mood high.
Technology, Fitness and Wellness: Keeping Your Mind Right
Where do we start? Technology is really starting to shape the fitness equipment industry. And, you know what they say, when you stay fit and healthy, you’re taking care of your well-being (wellness). ACE Certified fitness instructor Tami Smith, owner of FitHealthyMomma.com, suggests improving your wellness by working out at home with the right home gym equipment. The Fit Healthy Momma brand focuses on fitness and wellness D2C brand reviews and comparisons. So, you’re sure to find something to improve your overall well-being.
Once you’ve had a good read, you need to consider the technology you have to hand that will help with your wellbeing. We’re not talking anything special here, just your smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC. If you’re reading this you have one of those mentioned, so let’s look at what it can do!
Apps are a welcome bonus in this time of crisis, especially those that can help you communicate with others across the world. The popular video conferencing app Zoom has been essential not just for business but also for individuals. Tools such as TikTok and Skype have also lent a hand in keeping people in touch.
These are free apps that you simply download and use, and there are many more that you can choose to try should you wish. We recommend that you keep a few of your closest family and friends on speed dial for those times when you need to talk face to face with someone. Although not the same as a physical meeting, talking to someone you can see in real time does help alleviate tension and anxiety, and will go some way towards keeping you up to date with the outside world.
That’s the purely practical benefit of the technology we have, now let’s look at how you can have fun by playing games and taking challenges online with friends and family.
Online Fun Can Boost Your Mood
The best thing to do if you are feeling low is to talk to a friend, and what you can do to enhance the effect and help boost your mood virtually is set up a game with one or more friends, either by using the video apps above or by playing one of many other games online. Here are a few that we found.
Online Scrabble – a great game to play while chatting virtually, Scrabble is available in official form as an online game or there are free versions such as Words With Friends where you can play one on one. It’s a challenging game that is fun and also keeps your brain working, and you can play in your own time.
Online Murder Mysteries – you will find many outlets offering online murder mystery games to be played virtually using Zoom, Skype or one of many conferencing tools. The idea is to dress up as a given character and get into the mood, while playing out a pre-determined murder mystery game that you purchase for the occasion. These are excellent for a group to enjoy some online fun and relaxation.
Quizzes – having become very popular during the pandemic there is a wide choice of online quizzes which can be partaken by many people at the same time. Or you could host your own or get a group together to host a quiz in turn on a particular evening. There’s a lot of fun in online quizzes, and you can have a drink virtually with your friends at the same time!
Improvise Your own Games – the games you play at parties, when you get together or simply those you enjoy can all be played virtually, thanks to the wonders of broadband and modern communication technology.
The above are just a few selections that we have found, and there are many more ways in which you can use the internet and technology to boost your mood and keep you feeling better in these troubled times. To begin with, why not have a group chat with some friends and get used to using the platform you decide to use, and you can each come up with games to play or challenges to take that will keep your mind working.