Staying in for weeks may leave us overwhelmed with fear and anxiety. Especially for some, who are living alone and isolated from their loved ones in this time of crisis.
But hold up! We’re not gonna let this COVID-19 anxiety eat you up because we need each other to be emotionally and mentally strong to beat this pandemic. We’ve made a list of things that you can do at home to help keep yourself mentally healthy during the quarantine.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle
While it can be tricky to maintain a healthy lifestyle during self-quarantine, a quick workout can be a valuable way to reduce stress and take care of our health. Staying hydrated, eating right, and getting enough sleep may sound like a broken record by now, but these are truly essential in boosting our immune system.
Track your digital well-being
You might be aware of the long-term effects of screen time on your health. There are a few ways to limit and care for your digital consumption such as allotting a certain time each day to go online and visiting only reputable media sources or channels that publish factual and relevant content.
Keep this in mind: You have every right to UNFOLLOW channels, friends, followers, and other sources of insensitive, irrelevant, and irresponsible content which trigger anxiety or stress.
Be sensitive and responsible on social media
Having said that, you can help ease the stress of your online community by sharing factual and relevant posts. Before you post anything on your feed, take time to ask yourself the following questions:
- Who will see this?
- Will this offend my followers?
- Does this provide value to everyone?
- How will others feel when they see this?
Your posts can affect others who are going through a tough time and answering these questions may help you become more sensitive and responsible online.
Stay connected with your loved ones
Staying in touch with your family and friends can help you stay calm. One study found that calling a relative you miss, like your mom or siblings, has the same effect as getting a hug from them. So if you need someone to comfort you, don’t hesitate to pick up your phone and talk to your family and friends.
Clean and organize your home
Having a clean house does not only get rid of the clutter, there are also a few health benefits associated with being clean and organized—it can improve your sleeping habits, boost your energy, and even reduce stress.
Catch up with yourself
Have you been thinking of starting your own business? Or maybe learning a new skill? Get a pen and paper, then list down the things that you’ve always wanted to do but never got around to doing since you were busy at work.
Meditate and practice breathing exercises
Did you know that your breath is a powerful tool to ease stress? Simple breathing exercises can help you empty your mind for a while and make you feel less anxious. Tip: Wear comfy clothes and choose a quiet spot to do your breathing exercises.
Think about what you’re thankful for
It’s okay to acknowledge the negative emotions we feel during this time, but don’t let it consume you. Make it a habit to think of the things you’re grateful for at this moment and reflect on it. The fact that you woke up this morning and have food to eat are already huge blessings! Always remind yourself of your purpose and life goals to keep you motivated and thankful every day.