How to manage your mental health during COVID-19

If you experience anxiety or depression, feel overwhelmed, powerless, impatient, or irritable, you’re not alone. With COVID-19 affecting life as we know it, the news can feel like a nightmare, relationships under quarantine can get strained, and things get more uncertain by the minute. Your mental health should be a priority right now and it shouldn’t cost the moon either. These four easy, inexpensive habits will help you manage your mental health and allow you to ride out the storm.

Switch off the news:
Allow yourself a break from the news cycle. Watching the news incessantly can take a mental toll on you and will be more upsetting than informational. When you do consume the news, do it consciously. Create limits about how much time you spend scrolling through your phone or watching TV. Seek out non-sensational coverage of the news. Develop a practice of asking yourself whether the media you consume serves you or whether it takes away from the quality of your day. This will help you be more intentional with what you consume and will eliminate stress or anxiety triggers.

Exercise, eat healthy, and get enough sleep:
Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, and protein. If you have trouble sleeping at night, try switching off electronics and devices an hour before bedtime or taking a hot bath at night. Exercise at home or outdoors will also stave off anxiety and depression and keep you fit during quarantine.

Find creative ways to connect with loved ones:
Social distancing can leave you feeling isolated from the people you love. Schedule facetime or phone calls to check in and connect with friends and family. This will take your mind off what’s going on and will make a positive impact on your day and overall mental wellbeing.

Start a journal:
Many people swear by the practice of keeping a journal. Start writing down what your fears or worries are. The act of articulating anxieties can reduce them by half. You could also write what you are grateful for or what you look forward to doing. You don’t have to stick to writing. Many people keep art journals, create zines, or draw comics. Anything that helps you process your emotions is a practice worth cultivating.