It is no secret that we are living in a challenging time in history. Our Country is shut down! I did not see that coming. Citizens are being asked to stay indoors or limit the contact they have with others. The after-effects of this pandemic include: companies that have been forced to have employees work from home, while others can’t afford it and end up laying off employees; twenty-two million people have filed for unemployment; Disney World closed! and Baseball season was shortened. These are only a few major events that have taken place during the past month and a half.
Staying at home can be a challenge. For families who live together and for people who do not have company. People are scared, anxious and worried.
There are many ways people are coping with social isolation.
- Having a laugh with apps such as Tiktok
- Using work as a distraction
- Writing to vent
Before this pandemic, mental health disorders cases were increasing rapidly. During this pandemic, patients have had to cancel psychiatric and counseling appointments, and as a result, many of them have been forced to do exactly what they were told not to do- isolate from society. And this is only speaking about people with pre-existing mental health conditions.
How many people are now suffering (undiagnosed) mental stress? Depression, anxiety, panic attacks… People who have probably never had to deal with these symptoms before but that social isolation has placed them there?
I am only mentioning all these sad things to bring awareness. You need to take care of your mental health. Don’t try to hide your feelings (anxiety, worry, etc.). I encourage you to face these fears and take steps to stay positive.
How can you stay positive?
Stay away from the news
By now, you might know that many news channels will only report things that will make them get more clicks or views. They don’t really care whether or not they are saying the complete truth. That is why I advise you to stay away from these click-bait websites that are full of rumors and not facts. How can you know whether or not you are reading a true news article? I usually go to google and type in the topic. If multiple articles from different news channels come up saying the same thing, then it’s probable a true article.
Focus your energy into something positive
Find a new hobby (gardening, journaling, or crochet), and/or learn something new. These will keep you busy in a positive way. In this article, you will find 22 benefits of having a hobby. Some of these include things like releasing stress, making you money, and improving your memory. Why not give it a try? Maybe you learn something new about your self.
Try mindfulness exercises
Exercises such as taking 5 deep breaths, and focusing on an item that is at your reach, can help you stay aware and in control of your emotions. Read more mindfulness exercise ideas in this article.
Take time to relax
Self-care is crucial when it comes to maintaining a healthy mind. If you take care of your body, your body will take care of you. Have you heard that saying before? Well, it’s true. In this post, I give 5 tips to becoming happy. It is geared towards moms, but it has concepts that anyone can apply to their daily lives.
Express gratitude
When you notice all the good things you have in your life, the bad ones will seem like challenges that you will overcome and get through. Be thankful for what you have. Do you have shelter (home, apartment, etc.)? Be thankful. Do you have a method of transportation? Be thankful. Do you have, not a perfect family, but one that looks after you? Be thankful. Do you have food on your plate everyday? Be thankful. Should I continue? I am sure that there is something positive in your life. Sit down and reflect on these things. You will begin to feel more positive about life.
These things will help you understand that while you are going through a tough time, you will come out stronger than before. Have positive thoughts in your mind throughout the day. Can’t think of any positive things? Google it or search Pinterest for positive quotes.. Do whatever you have to do to maintain a positive mindset while in isolation.
Let me know in the comments what you do to maintain a healthy mind.
Sincerely,
