How to protect your mental health during the END SARS Protest

It is not only a shame to our leaders for sending/allowing these political thugs, police, and the military to kill the young people of Nigeria for their selfish interest. The issues in Nigeria are alarming. It is disheartening and I want to commend everyone going out to protest, we are so proud of your strength and how positive you all are towards making a better Nigeria.  

While the protest is on we all have to protect our mental health in other not to break down. Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices.Positive music

Researchers from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behavior, and Development have found that music increases memory and retention as well as maximizes learning capabilities. Our brains trigger particular emotions, memories, and thoughts, which often lead to more positive effects on mental health.

 

Research shows the benefits of music therapy for various mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and schizophrenia (to name a few). Music acts as a medium for processing emotions, trauma, and grief, but it can also be utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety or dysregulation. Elevate your mood and motivation. (Ref opening). Listening to positive music can help with the following:

• Reduce stress
• Improve focus
• Help relaxation
• Reduce anxiety and depression.
• Stay Focused

Stay hydrated

Dehydration is the number-one cause of stress in your body. Water has been shown to have natural calming properties, likely as a result of addressing dehydration's effects on the body and brain. Drinking enough water is an important step in managing your anxiety. Even if you're not experiencing anxiety, drinking sufficient water can create feelings of relaxation.

Panic attacks are common results of high anxiety caused by dehydration. Panic attacks typically have physical triggers, and one of those triggers is dehydration.

Take some time to rest during the protest.

This doesn't mean you are tired or we won't keep fighting. When stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risks of mental health problems and medical problems increase. Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, substance use problems, sleep problems, pain, and bodily complaints such as muscle tension.

 

Stay focused

Everyone's attention can drift at times, especially in sad situations like the #ENDSARS protest.

 

Understand the goal of the protest and never mix it up. Hold onto the goal and focus on the outcome. Be calm, but productive.

 

Prayer is key.

Understand that the government is the miscreant. While you pray for the country,

 

Keep fighting for a better Nigeria. One Love. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. 

It is very hard not to think a lot amidst the ongoing END SARS protest in Nigeria. Some of us have gotten very emotional, we have cried, we are praying and we get angry. These mixed emotions can affect our mental health negatively, which brings us to why we need to protect our mental health during a protest.

Always remember that you are not alone

Remember you are not alone. The good Nigerians are with you. We are all in this together. Be positive and see everyday as a new beginning worthy of going out to seek justice for the abused and killed. 

Avoid arguments

Your body's response to an argument will activate the amygdala, releasing the stress hormone cortisol. All that screaming will damage your vocal cords. So chill. Anger causes your breathing to quicken and your chest will tighten as your lungs expand to take in extra oxygen. Protect yourself and your health. Go easy sometimes.

Food

Eat very well. When you feed well and stick to a diet of healthy food, you’re setting yourself up for fewer mood fluctuations an overall happier outlook, and an improved ability to focus, Dr. Cora says. Studies have even found that healthy diets can help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Positive music

Researchers from the MARCS Institute for Brain, Behavior, and Development have found that music increases memory and retention as well as maximizes learning capabilities. Our brains trigger particular emotions, memories, and thoughts, which often lead to more positive effects on mental health.

Research shows the benefits of music therapy for various mental health conditions, including depression, trauma, and schizophrenia (to name a few). Music acts as a medium for processing emotions, trauma, and grief, but it can also be utilized as a regulating or calming agent for anxiety or dysregulation. Elevate your mood and motivation. (Ref open minds). Listening to positive music can help with the following:

• Reduce stress
• Improve focus
• Help relaxation
• Reduce anxiety and depression.
• Stay Focused

Stay hydrated

Dehydration is the number-one cause of stress in your body. Water has been shown to have natural calming properties, likely as a result of addressing dehydration's effects on the body and brain. Drinking enough water is an important step in managing your anxiety. Even if you're not experiencing anxiety, drinking sufficient water can create feelings of relaxation.

Panic attacks are common results of high anxiety caused by dehydration. Panic attacks typically have physical triggers, and one of those triggers is dehydration.

Take some time to rest during the protest.

This doesn't mean you are tired or we won't keep fighting. When stress becomes overwhelming and prolonged, the risks of mental health problems and medical problems increase. Long-term stress increases the risk of mental health problems such as anxiety and depression, substance use problems, sleep problems, pain, and bodily complaints such as muscle tension.

Stay focused

Everyone's attention can drift at times, especially in sad situations like the #ENDSARS protest.

Understand the goal of the protest and never mix it up. Hold onto the goal and focus on the outcome. Be calm, but productive.

Prayer is key.

Understand that the government is the miscreant. While you pray for the country,

Keep fighting for a better Nigeria. One Love.

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