The pandemic and self-isolation have certainly had and continue to have an impact on all of us. For most people, their mental health and mood suffered the most. Every other day feels like the one before, we rarely see friends in person, and the study load is becoming more and more serious. Among other problems are difficulties when reaching college professors and low motivation. Thus, lots of students open up about anxiety and depression. And in such a turbulent time, it’s no wonder we suffer from mental health issues.
But is there a way to avoid being pessimistic in these hard times? We are sure that there is! In this article, we have collected the best advice from therapists on how to survive the pandemic crisis and maintain your mental health in check. So, let’s get started!
Stick to Healthy Sleep Patterns
This tip may seem obvious, but let’s face it – few people sleep properly these days.
Go to bed and wake up at about the same time every day. The main advantage of such a routine is that the body gets used to a repeating rhythm. Therefore, at certain hours, it will be tuned to work, and at others – to rest. Also, remember that lack of sleep can lead to headaches, a weakened immune system and irritability.
Be sure to make health your top priority. And if you realize that you haven’t had proper sleep for a long time, and there is more and more homework, try a different approach. Turn to professionals from a reliable college essay writing service like Essaypro and reduce your workload. And while the writers do their best to make your paper perfect, you can devote this time to your physical and mental well-being.
Without a doubt, your body will thank you for it, and you will be more productive than ever before.
Be Creative
In a lockdown, we watch TV series and webinars, read books and news, and spend time on social media, of course. All this time we consume content created by someone else, being rather passive. However, to use our hidden potential and nurture talents, we have to produce something of our own. For example, you can:
- Write a story or a poem;
- Draw a picture;
- Knit a winter scarf;
- Try out a new recipe or come up with your own;
- Tutor someone on something you are good at.
Set Clear Goals
When all days are alike, it’s easy to get lost in the endless stream of monotony and waste your time. Instead, set specific goals for yourself, and self-isolation will turn into a game. Remember that your goals have to be realistic and measurable. For example, your plan for the day might look like this:
- Make an apple pie according to grandma’s recipe;
- Write an essay;
- Do yoga for 30 minutes;
- Learn 10 phrases in French;
- Read 50 pages of the book;
- Watch a documentary about Impressionist artists.
Spend Your Time Wisely
Ask yourself: when the pandemic is over, will you regret spending so much time doing nothing? Probably yes. Therefore, in addition to TV series and funny videos, try watching theater broadcasts, lectures about the history of art, or documentaries about outstanding people. Nurture your mind with what truly delights you.
You can also upgrade your skills, say master new software or learn a foreign language. And don’t forget about the body: try stretching, or dancing. The main thing is that this activity will fill you with energy.
Share Your Feelings
During self-isolation, it is absolutely normal to experience fear, sadness, or anxiety. Don’t run away from these feelings and don’t block them out. Sooner or later, the suppressed emotions will find a way out. So, better allow yourself to experience them. For example, share your worries with family or friends during the next Zoom call. Or, try channeling your emotions into creativity, such as writing them down in a journal or transforming them into a painting.
Due to instability, many find it difficult to maintain emotional balance and recognize others’ moods. Therefore, don’t expect others to read your thoughts, better be straightforward and ask for support.
Make Your Home a Piece Of Heaven
The place you live in affects your state more than you think. Considering that we are at home most of the day, adding some variety to a familiar environment won’t hurt. Make a small rearrangement, buy some decorative elements, experiment with lighting. No doubt, you will feel much better afterward.
Detox From the Media
The information we consume is just as important as the food we eat. And unfortunately, it often affects us negatively.
First, a huge number of self-development courses have appeared lately, and it’s simply impossible to take part in all of them. Thus, many fear missing out and believe they are less productive than others.
Second, everything we see on the screens of smartphones and laptops is saved in the subconscious which controls 95% of our life. Considering that the media is full of disturbing news and fakes, try to filter what exactly you watch and read.
Control the quality of information coming to you. Your stress level will definitely decrease when you reduce the amount of negative content.
Regain Your Energy
Obviously, our nervous system is exhausted, so we need to fill the days with some joy and excitement. To each his own: some are happy drinking cappuccino watching the dawn, others adore re-watching James Bond movies.
Moreover, water is a universal source of energy. You can take a bath to be more peaceful, or a contrast shower to lighten up. Another effective remedy is to turn off your phone for at least 40 minutes a day and find harmony in silence.
Summing Up
The pandemic has brought a lot of worries to all of us. We are sad about the inability to go out and disturbed by financial instability and a lack of communication. Fortunately, there are proven tips for adapting to change and maintaining good mental health. However, if you can’t cope with it on your own and the anxiety continues to grow, don’t close in upon yourself and seek help from a qualified specialist.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
