In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, it’s easy for security guards to feel overwhelmed and worried, managing a situation on a client site. It’s easy for them to experience an increased feeling of anxiety, powerlessness, impatience, irritability, or frustration. It is, therefore, crucial they prioritize their mental well-being too. Just as there are things one can do every day to improve physical health, security guards of all reliable security guard companies can also support their emotional health and improve their mood by taking simple actions.
Self Care Tips: Here are some helpful tips to take care of your mental health right now:
Talk How You Feel
Talking about how one feels is often considered a sign of weakness. But to be honest there is no better way to stay in good mental health than to talk about how you feel. So, if you are facing problems at work, be it related to site tours, schedules, or anything else at all, talk to your colleagues and/or supervisor. If it feels too much, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It will give others the courage to do the same too.
Create A New Healthy Diet Plan
Do you know that what you eat can strongly affect the way you feel? The way you feel in turn can have a long-lasting effect on one’s mental health. Therefore, put extra thoughts into creating a diet plan that includes lots of nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food, drink more water, and cut back on added sugar. That alone will help balance your energy levels throughout the day.
Stay Physically Active
Do you know that exercise helps release chemicals in your brain that make you feel good? The same chemical is responsible for boosting your self-esteem and helping you concentrate and sleep better. To gain these benefits of exercise, you literally don’t need to go to the gym or pick a sport. Just a walk in the park or your surrounding will do especially if you are a security guard with a static position on a client site.
Practice Meditation Regularly
Meditation is often considered as an alternative to physical exercise. Well, that is not how it should be. The reason being, it has been proven to lower blood pressure, anxiety, stress, and feelings of overwhelm while helping increase the ability to focus and relax. For it to be effective you don’t need to sit and be silent for hours. Just take a few minutes to calm down and focus on your breathing every day, and that’s it.
Take A Break From Work
Demand for security guard services surged drastically in the wake of COVID-19. To keep pace with the increased demand, it was but natural for the security guard companies to overschedule their security guards. If that’s still the case with your security guard company and you feel overwhelmed, not only break your work into small manageable tasks but also take regular breaks while working on client sites to renew focus and boost productivity. In fact, don’t hesitate to take a leave from work to relax.
Cut Back On Alcohol & Drugs
Because COVID-19 affects the lungs, you are even more at risk if you smoke tobacco or if you vape. Using alcohol to try to cope with or escape feelings of depression or anxiety can further make the situation worse and reduce your coping skills. Though there is nothing wrong with drinking in moderation. However, if you find yourself constantly drinking, rethink the role it is playing in your day-to-day life. Try to avoid taking alcohol and drugs to cope, unless your doctor prescribed medications for you.
Stick To Your Regular Routine
Maintaining a regular schedule is vital for not just security guards but everyone’s mental health. In order to do that, stick to a regular bedtime routine, keep consistent time for meals, exercise, work, and everything. Even get up and go to bed at the same time each day. Stick close to your typical schedule, even if you are staying at home. This predictability in your routine will make you feel more in control.
Set Your Priorities Right
Be it your work or your personal life, don’t become overwhelmed by creating a life-changing list of things to achieve. Set a reasonable goal each day and outline steps you can take to reach those goals. Every time you take a small step in the right direction, give yourself the credit for it, and keep moving forward. Just remember to be kind to yourself.
Continue these self-care tips to take care of your mental health and increase your ability to cope with life’s ongoing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
