Thriving in the midst of Covid

Coming up later in the year is Mental Health Awareness month. This movement observed in October seeks to reduce the stigma around mental health struggles and has particularity become more important in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of people of all ages. Organisational Psychologist, Sharon Munyaka shares some tips on how to get back on track and adopt a healthy mind-set in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"The way things are looking now, we are challenged to think of tomorrow in a better way. But we always have a choice, said Munyaka. "Fear comes when we don't have a choice or are cornered."

"Take each day and think about what you can do differently. Speak to other people to get your mind set changed,” Munyaka added. She was talking at a 'Staying in Business' online event supported by Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency.

Even though the Covid-19 pandemic confines us to operate in our own spaces, Munyaka said it was important for people not to be isolated especially when trying to revive a business in distress. She urged people to move around, reach out and test friendship networks, and think of other possibilities to create new audiences and new streams of income.

She also lamented that having a different mind-set was key to progress. Ask yourself, “What is the gift of Covid. Maybe Covid has given me a chance to ask myself what else I can do and offer” Munyaka said.

“To do that you need to take time and catch your breath.” She gave an analogy of an emergency oxygen mask that drops down in front of you when a plane experiences severe turbulence. Take that mask. Breathe into it." Just breathe. The world won’t end. Seasons are continuing. This shows that in life there will be transitions."

"Therefore, waking up every day takes courage. Courage is willing to try again... and give the best version of yourself,” Munyaka said.