It’s undeniable that Coronavirus has changed our lives in more ways than one, including mental-health strains due to increased isolation as we are encouraged to stay home and maintain social distance.
Social isolation and loneliness have been linked to many physical and mental health problems. The health damage caused by isolation and loneliness is estimated to shorten a person’s life by 15 years. The equivalent of the consequence of being obese and smoking 15 cigarettes a day, according to a study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science.
Feelings of loneliness have also been shown to trigger the release of stress hormones, which are associated with higher blood pressure, weakened immune system, and even earlier onset of cognitive decline.
Loneliness is not good for mental health, and the pandemic is not making it easier. Earlier this month the Food and Drug Administration announced it has added two drugs to its list of drugs in shortage: Zoloft, one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the U.S., and its generic version, sertraline. So how do we go about taking care of mental health in a time when social interactions are discouraged?
You can strengthen your mental health by taking active steps to improve your brain health. Starting with eating well and maintaining a healthy diet to provide the nutrients needed for your brain to power through the day. Well-known brain superfoods include berries (reduce inflammation and oxidative stress), nuts (omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants), whole grains (vitamin E) and eggs (B vitamins).
Other ways you can enhance your brain health include getting an adequate amount of sleep, incorporating exercise programs, and making an effort to communicate with your family, friends.
Here at Niraxx, we are hoping that our at-home solution might help you find your mental clarity and balance during these unprecedented times. As we acclimate to a new normal that is still taking shape, let us be patient and mindful, with the help of a little light.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_nav in_same_term=”off” _builder_version=”4.4.2″ title_text_color=”#000000″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” hide_prev=”off” hide_next=”off”] [/et_pb_post_nav][/et_pb_column_inner][/et_pb_row_inner][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”3.25″ custom_padding=”|||” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_sidebar area=”custom-sidebar-1″ _builder_version=”3.17.6″] [/et_pb_sidebar][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_section]