Covid-19Mental Health5 Tips For Managing Your Mental Health During The COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the world around us. Businesses have been forced to close their doors, workers have been laid off, and people have been forced to self-isolate for long periods.

For many people, these changes have made managing their mental health even more challenging. Many traditional coping mechanisms have been taken away, and life spent largely indoors has caused many to become anxious or depressed.

Here are five tips for managing your mental health during the coronavirus pandemic.

1. Speak with a Psychiatrist Online

It might not be possible for you to see a psychiatrist or therapist in person, as many offices are closed. However, you can easily schedule an appointment to meet with a therapist or counselor online. Also, you can get access to all sorts of helpful mental health resources through a company like BetterHelp.

While it may be tempting to forego discussing your well-being and mental health concerns, it’s important that you schedule a virtual visit with a counselor to address any issues you may be struggling with.

2. Use Social Media Sparingly

With social gatherings being limited, you may find yourself trying to compensate for this lack of human interaction with more time spent on social media platforms.

However, social media isn’t a like-for-like substitute for real in-person interactions. Rather, it’s well documented that social media can negatively impact one’s mental health—particularly as today’s social media feeds typically feature an onslaught of anxiety-inducing news and current events.

Try to limit your time on social media, and instead . . .

3. Keep in Touch with Family and Friends

The truth is that social media can’t replace genuine, face-to-face conversations with family, friends, and those who care about you and your well-being.

Fortunately, today, there are all sorts of apps that will allow you to have video conversations and connect with others— FaceTime, Skype, WhatsApp, and Zoom, to name only a few. Set up a time to catch up with someone close to you!

4. Be Mindful of Your Physical Health

How you treat your body can have a significant effect on your psychological and emotional well-being.

While COVID-19 has made it easier than ever to be complacent, eat poorly, and stop exercising all together, it’s critical that you don’t neglect these areas, as doing so will likely take a toll on not only your physical health but also your mental health.

Eat healthy meals, find different ways to exercise, and make sure you’re getting ample sleep each night.

5. Find Activities That You Enjoy

Under current CDC guidelines, you may not be able to enjoy all of the activites you’ve enjoyed in the past. With many establishments such as movie theaters, museums, and parks being closed, you may have to come up with new creative ways to decompress.

Find a few activities that you can enjoy while being socially distanced, and then make sure you carve time out of your day to be able to enjoy those activities.

Don’t Neglect Your Mental Health

You know your body better than anyone, so keep a close eye on your red flags. Whether you’re feeling stressed, frustrated, or lethargic, the worst thing you can do is try to suppress what you’re feeling.

Seek help, connect with others, and find activities that will allow you to manage your mental health more effectively.