Tiffany CondeWhen we’re too busy worrying about the future, we forget to take care of one thing: ourselves. Much has already been written about how to stay productive and physically fit in the time of the coronavirus, but caring for our emotional well-being should be a priority as well. Here’s what we can do to improve our mental health while keeping anxious thoughts about COVID-19 at bay.
Also read: How to Work From Home Productively, Without Losing Your Sanity
1. Allow yourself to grieve
When you still remember the life you had before self-isolation, it can be very difficult to focus on the present day. Give yourself time and space to work out what you’re feeling — your emotions are valid and important, too. It’s only human to rant, worry, complain, cry, or feel saddened by the sudden changes that COVID-19 has brought into your life.
2. Limit your social media consumption
Don’t check social media first thing in the morning or right before you go to sleep, as this can lead to overthinking, fatigue, or insomnia. Too much exposure to the news about COVID-19 can have a negative effect on your mental health, especially if it’s starting to interfere with your day-to-day living.
Know when to step away from your phone or laptop. But if you can’t find a way to reduce the time you spend online — perhaps because you work in the media or your job is to deliver the daily news — you can create a separate account that will act as a safe space for you. Throw in some peaceful wildlife videos, escapist virtual tours, or other inspirational content to mitigate the stress of the headlines, all without having to give up what you do for a living!
3. Narrow down your sources of information
How do you draw the line between staying informed and feeling overwhelmed? You must be very particular about the media publications and news channels that you follow. Facebook and Twitter can help in gathering current events, but they can also run rampant with fake news and conspiracy theories on your feed.
Choose legitimate and credible sources that report on the facts and figures. Afterwards, you can proceed to these publications directly for any news about COVID-19, which will filter out the misinformation and lessen the stress on your mental health.
Also read: Facts vs. Myths: What You Need to Know About the New Coronavirus
4. Create a healthy routine
Whether it’s exercising in the morning or preparing yummy homemade recipes, choose a routine that helps you breathe a little easier. Even if it’s as simple as getting dressed or scheduling your tasks for the week, a set of habits will give your days a sense of stability and structure. And if you find that you aren’t as productive as you normally would be, it’s not the end of the world — you can always regroup and start again tomorrow.
5. Find ways to relax
How do you like to spend your free time? Some people like to play nostalgic games or watch travel documentaries. Others find solace in reading books or decorating their rooms. If it brings you comfort after a long and tiring day, you can immerse yourself in one of your favourite diversions or pastimes for a much-needed escape. Beyond taking our minds off the COVID-19 pandemic, our hobbies remind us why we press on for another day, and we could all use these mental health breaks in times of fear.
Also read: 13 Nostalgic & Relaxing RPG OSTs To Zone Out To During Quarantine
6. Keep in touch with loved ones
Remember that you don’t have to survive this outbreak on your own! From Line to FaceTime, there are many video calling apps that can connect you with your loved ones while social distancing. Even if it’s only a phone call or a chat, it feels very relaxing to pour your worries and cares to the people you trust. Nothing can ever take the place of face-to-face interaction, but hearing your best friend’s voice on the phone? It can make your day a little brighter, for sure!
7. Be kinder to yourself
If you find yourself spiralling with anxious thoughts or worse, you can practice mental health care by being gentle with yourself. Cut yourself some slack when your plans fall through or you can’t be as productive as you would like to be. It takes a lot of willpower to get through the day in the midst of a crisis. Just take it one day at a time. You are doing the best you can.
Also read: 20 Things to Do While Quarantined or Social Distancing Amid COVID-19
Some days will be harder than others, but hopefully, these mental health tips will keep you from slipping into despair during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hold onto your favourite hobbies and all the precious things in the world that keep you afloat, because we’re in this for the long haul.
