If physical health is to remain a top priority during this pandemic, then mental health is our best ally along the way. The psychological impacts of pandemics and confinement—stress, anxiety, PTSD, anger and for some, emotional exhaustion—are now well documented (see meta-analysis: https://lnkd.in/einFiqi). Once you’ve taken care of the basic precautionary measures, I invite you to:

• Up the attention you give your spouse and children by putting your smartphone aside from time to time.
• Opt for concrete activities that provide daily satisfaction (tidying the garage, organizing your cabinets, cleaning the attic, sorting the paperwork sitting in piles by the front door).
• Maintain sleep patterns conducive to recovery and limit your exposure to screens. The evening news is enough, then reading is your best bet for falling asleep peacefully.
• Develop healthy eating habits by cooking as a family.
• Tell the people you love what you appreciate most about them (it has nothing to do with the current situation, but gratitude boosts immediate wellbeing, which can’t hurt right now).

By Adrien Chignard