Our children don’t do as we say, they do as we do. So, in these uncertain times, our children are looking to us on how to deal with the effects of this pandemic and the uncertainty of it all. Creating a legacy is not just about leaving money in your Will, it is about your impact on the next generation.
Never before has the issue of mental health been more important and relevant. So here are a few tips for safeguarding your mental health and positively influencing the next generation.
“Your anxiety is going to help you make the decisions that you need to be making right now – not spending time in big groups of people, washing your hands, and not touching your face.” Dr. Damour advises
There’s going to be a lot in that second category right now, and that’s fine, but what can help us cope are distractions.
4. Focus on yourself
Is there something new that you have been wanting to try for a while? Maybe learn a new skill, engage in self-improvement, start reading a new book, or devote time to playing an instrument? Now is the time to do all that. Making the most of a bad situation can be an important lesson to teach a child. Take the opportunity you have now to do some of the things that you want to do but have never had the time.
Focusing on yourself and finding ways to use the time that is now available are great ways to take care of your mental health.
Everyone processes their feelings differently.
“Some children are going to make art, some are going to want to talk to their friends and use their shared sadness as a way to feel connected in a time when they can’t be together in person, and some children are going to want to find ways to get food to food banks”, says Dr. Damour. It’s important to do what you feel is right and useful.