Look After Your Mental Health During The COVID-19 Lockdown
The coronavirus outbreak has affected the world, and the World Health Organization has declared this outbreak a global pandemic. The pandemic is constantly on the news everywhere, and it looks like it is not ending anytime soon. People have been asked to stay indoors and maintain social distancing. Many places are under lockdown, and people are allowed to go out only if it is necessary. And this is impacting our physical as well as mental health.
There is no doubt about the importance of social distancing and self-isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. But, this is leading to an increase in stress and anxiety in many people. But, why and how COVID-19 is affecting our mental health, and how can we support our mental health?
The COVID-19 and our mental health
There is no doubt that this new coronavirus has scared everyone around the world. The impact of this virus is so big that it has pushed many countries to complete lockdown. And while the situation is scary, many people also have to face stressful life challenges due. There are many people who have lost their jobs or had their income cuts due to this coronavirus pandemic. These are the people who used to work in pubs and restaurants or were self-employed. Also, people are not able to go out and meet friends and family. Some are worried about the wellness of their loved ones. And now that the restrictions are even more extreme, the stress in people is also increasing.
Also, there is a constant barrage of bad news in the media about the coronavirus and how it is affecting the world. This can also cause worries, and further increase the feelings of stress and despair. The uncertainty of this crisis is also adding to the stress in people. Especially if a person already has some psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, or depression. The disturbed mental health can make it even more difficult for you to get through the lockdown. It can even impact your life after this lockdown gets over. So, it becomes important for you to take care of your mental health during this lockdown. Here are a few tips for you that you can follow while you are staying indoors.
1. Don’t take it as you are “stuck” inside
I understand that things may not feel right now, but you need to keep one thing out of your mind during this lockdown. Do not think of it as you are “stuck” somewhere, instead utilize this time to focus on yourself and your home. You can focus on one productive thing per day to get some positive results.
If you have been avoiding some tasks for a long time, maybe now is the time to complete those tasks. You can also choose to reorganize your home. Thinking that you are stuck will cause stress and anxiety. So, utilize this time to focus on your home and yourself while reducing your stress.
2. Pay attention to “self-care” and stick to your usual routine
While we are all staying indoors and working from home, it is very easy to fall victim to a bad routine. You must try to stick to the routine you were following before the coronavirus outbreak. It is very easy to fall for a lethargic lifestyle, especially if you are working from home. And this can have a bad impact on your health.
You may start sleeping late, eating junk food, and not looking after yourself. This can also negatively impact your mental health. For some people, it can become difficult to even wash their faces due to laziness. So, you must pay attention to yourself and stick to your usual routine. Eat healthy, sleep on time, drink a lot of water, take shower regularly, and do laundry. Sticking to your usual routine will keep you active and healthy. You will find it easier to readjust to the outside world after this lockdown gets over.
3. Avoid yourself from watching constant coronavirus coverage
Coronavirus is everywhere in the media. Whether you are watching the news on your television or scrolling through your social media accounts, you can easily stumble upon some news associated with coronavirus. And while it is important to keep yourself updated with the latest news, you should never obsess over the endless coronavirus coverage.
You may even want to go on Google and over-searching the pandemic. There are many websites that may show you incorrect news about the pandemic and can cause panic. This can further have a negative impact on your mental health. So, you must go to only certain credible websites like who.int or cdc.gov. Also, do not send more than 30 minutes on this.
4. Keep your home organized
A messy or chaotic home can also result in a chaotic mind. So, no matter what is happening outside, you must always keep your home organized and clean. It can also impact your mental health in a positive way if you keep your home clean. There are a few things that you can do such as trying not to eat in bed, not working on the sofa, working at your desk, and organizing your kitchen.
5. Distract yourself
During this lockdown, you should try to keep yourself busy to avoid any fears or worries. You can start learning a new hobby or skill. There are plenty of things that you can do at home. For example, you can join online yoga classes, dancing classes, art classes, or cooking classes. You can also start reading a new book. If you have a guitar, but never got time to learn it, then you can utilize this time and start learning it. Do whatever you like and whatever pleases you.
6. Use telehealth service to seek professional help
Sometimes it can be difficult to manage your anxiety, that time you should not shy away from seeking professional help. You can easily find many licensed psychologists that are offering telehealth services. There can be times when you can not manage your anxiety without the help of a professional. And it becomes even more important if you are already accessing treatment for an existing mental health problem. Talk to a doctor online and get the required help for your mental health.