Aside from the obvious physical toll that COVID-19 has taken on human lives, it’s important to recognize the mental toll it’s taking as well. There are many things we can do to look after our well-being during these uncertain times.
Stay Connected
Transitioning from being able to go out whenever you want to being asked to stay home for anything other than food can be an overwhelming change. However, rather than seeing this as a negative change, it helps to see this as an opportunity for a new life routine.
Making use of social media, video chats, and screen-sharing can allow you and your friends and family to stay connected virtually. This allows you to remain social, even if you are physically apart.
Staying connected with yourself is just as important. With the extra time at home, you can pick up a new hobby, learn a new skill or language, or even meditate more often. If you have a backlog or a to-do list, you can tackle those as well.
Avoid Misinformation and Focus on Facts
Rumors and unfounded claims often help anxiety grow uncontrollably. When it comes to seeking factual information, it’s important to always be critical of your sources. Health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are credible and reliable sources of information. By having information you can trust, you can filter out the “fake news” and lower your levels of anxiety, leading to better mental health overall.
Practice Self-Care
Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, exercising regularly, and taking time alone to reflect are all effective ways of maintaining good mental health as well. It’s much easier to work on your mental health when your physical health is in good standing.
Support Each Other
Remember that all your feelings regarding this unprecedented situation are valid. Take all the time you need to reflect on them and understand them. If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to others to ask for their support. If you’re doing well, offer your support to your friends and family members in return. At the end of the day, we’re all going through this together!
