Needless to say, the past two weeks have been pretty stressful and anxiety-inducing for all of America. Workers are losing their jobs, kids are no longer in school and COVID-19 has us all wondering if we will be the next one to come down with symptoms. While we’re all in a state of practicing social distancing, it’s imperative that we remember to care for our mental health. Your mental health is an extremely important aspect of your total body wellness, and if you ignore it, problems like depression, anxiety and weight gain can all develop.
When times get tough, make it a point to do some things for your mental health on a regular basis. Here are some tips we recommend that will be great for your body and mind.
Social Distancing And Your Mental Health
Care for your mental health by considering these tips.
1. Exercise – Exercise is often viewed as an activity that is great for your body, but it also has numerous mental health benefits. Exercise releases endorphins that can help block out pain signals and improve your mood. It also helps you maintain a healthy weight and feel accomplished, both of which are great for your mental health. Make sure you’re getting at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each day.
2. Connect With Others – We’ve been ordered to practice social distancing, but it’s important to remember that social distancing does not mean social isolation. Call your loved ones or a friend and have a conversation about anything other than what’s going on in the world right now. We’ve heard of countless friend groups that are having social hours or virtual happy hours over Facetime or Zoom, so find a way to stay connected with those who are near and dear. This will do wonders for your mental health.
3. Unplug – While there certainly is a benefit to staying up to date on the latest news and information, staying in a constant information loop with the coronavirus can leave you feeling stressed out and anxious. Make sure you also unplug from the news and do some activities that engage your brain, like puzzles, board games or reading. National news can be pretty doom and gloom in order to grab attention, so don’t overindulge on this kind of news, as it can affect your mental health.
4. Take On A New Role – Depending on your circumstances, you may have the opportunity to take on a new role in your house, and this can help you de-stress. Plan some fun indoor activities for your kids if they aren’t in school anymore, or cook two new recipes for your significant other this week if you’re working from home. With these changes comes new opportunities, and maybe you’ll find a new passion. Challenge yourself to do something new each day, and it should help your mental health.