An important and underlooked subject during the pandemic has been the sexual/mental health of people. We get so worked up on the fact that we’re living through an actual pandemic that we forget the importance of our mental and sexual health. In a time where we’re unable to physically interact with people, we slowly lose the normal human tendencies to crave physical affection. We’re being taught in this pandemic the better the distance from other people, the safer we are. It’s hard to imagine a time in the future where people will feel comfortable enough to return to the ways things once were. But even though physical interaction isn’t possible in a time like this, we shouldn’t ignore that we’re still human and need to take care of ourselves.
- Finding Yourself
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The interesting part of this pandemic is our ability to explore different parts of who we are as people and really understand what that means on an individual basis—whether that means taking on a new skill or even picking up a book. People took advantage of productivity culture and were able to stay active without being active out in the world. Some people have been able to stay active from their homes and manage themselves mentally. This can also be seen as a coping mechanism for a change in lifestyle. It’s a way of managing your mental health and not letting your thoughts take you over into an unhealthy route.
- Reading for Yourself
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The amazing thing about books is that you can nearly find anything on any subject. If you don’t know something, it’s easy to find the resources to learn. Many people are afraid to explore their sexuality because they don’t know where to start. The best way to learn is to read from others who have been where you are. Exploring the sexual side to you is normal and a part of being a person.
- Taking Care of Yourself
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Ways of managing both mental and sexual health vary depending on the person. One can sometimes overpower the other, but regardless should still be taken care of when recognized. Practicing mindfulness and writing down your thoughts are ways to cope for some while being physically active in ways that are available to us now are for others. Don’t overlook your self-care needs, because at the end of the day we’re all people.
It’s strange to shift from always having an individualistic mindset to thinking holistically while we’re in the midst of a pandemic. We’re so used to being wrapped around our own problems and situations that it’s difficult to believe that this pandemic is something that’s affecting the whole world in different ways. But at the end of the day, we’re all going through this pandemic together. Humans need physical interaction, social interaction and each other, in general. Lack of thereof leaves us to ourselves more than we can handle. Recognizing the truth in taking care of ourselves when we can’t have one another is how we’re going to get through this pandemic.