With the constant statewide shutdowns nowadays, not to mention the incessant need to stay at home almost all the time to protect oneself from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is no longer surprising to see people’s mental health getting drastically affected. How do you stay mentally healthy in a situation like this? Everything seemed to change after the global pandemic hit us, including the way we connect to others and enjoy life outdoors.
Still, there are ways to boost and care for your mental health despite the stress and frustration that the COVID-19 pandemic brings, including the following:
Practice yoga
Yoga is an effective way to lower your risk of depression and anxiety while lifting your mood. It also works in improving your sleep, which is good for your mental health. What yoga does is flood your brain with serotonin and dopamine – both of which are known as natural chemicals capable of boosting your mood.
One yoga session is also enough to calm you down and make you feel relaxed. Fortunately, you don’t have to go to a yoga studio to take advantage of this practice. You can take up online classes or find YouTube channels that teach you how to practice yoga and maximize its benefits for free.
Include mindfulness meditation in your routines
Another useful treatment for those who are anxious and depressed is mindfulness meditation. It is helpful in lowering your anxiety and stress level. Since you can’t easily go out nowadays, you can just access online resources and videos that teach you how to practice this form of meditation.
You may also want to contact mental health hotlines so you can get directions and recommendations on finding guides and tools for free. Just make sure to dedicate a comfortable and quiet place in your home for this practice so you can make the most out of it.
Watch over your physical wellbeing
Make sure to prioritize your physical health and well-being. Among the things you should do are eating well-balanced and healthy meals, drinking sufficient amounts of water, and working out regularly. Ensure that you get sufficient sleep and avoid the excessive use and consumption of tobacco, alcohol, and substances.
Also, continue following routine preventive measures based on the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Get vaccinations or screenings for certain diseases, for instance, so you can always protect your overall health.
Establish and maintain connections
Look for new methods of connecting with your loved ones. Note that with the constant reminder to stay at home as much as possible, you may feel totally isolated, causing you to get stressed out and depressed in the long run.
Try connecting with your loved ones through other means instead of personal visits. You can use video streaming, phone calls, and social media. Such tools are helpful in building connections that can benefit your mental well-being.
Learn a new skill
You may also want to start learning new skills or reliving your past hobbies. This will serve as a good distraction, taking your mind off the worries, frustration, and stress that the pandemic brings. Fortunately, it is now easy to access self-help books that teach new skills, like a new language. You may also want to go back to doing the hobbies that made you feel excited in the past.
