Self-Isolating is key to protecting your physical health from the spread of COVID-19. However, the disruption of your normal routine can cause your mental stability to take a hit. Mental health is equally as important as your physical health because the two are intricately intertwined. If you are currently quarantining, here are some tips to help you stay happy, healthy, and sane:
Science has proven that the human brain and body performs better when given structure. Making a daily routine for yourself will help you be more efficient, which in turn will make you feel better about yourself and what you’ve accomplished.
If you are lucky enough to still have a job and are working from home, it may feel like all you do is work. When you get into this mindset, it can be easy to fall into unhealthy habits such as binge eating or drinking. To avoid this, make a schedule ahead of time and plan your week. Maybe on Monday after work, you go on a run or do an at home work-out video. Then, on Tuesday, you set aside some time to read. Wednesday, you do something creative (drawing, writing, baking, etc.). Thursday, you plan a family game night. Finally, Friday you can reward yourself by having some wine and pizza!
If you are unemployed/job searching, instead of searching a little here, and a little there, schedule a three-hour block each day dedicated to job hunting and following up on interviews.
Don’t be too hard on yourself if you’ve let your physical health go a little bit. Working out can be difficult even when there isn’t a global pandemic. You don’t need to go as hard as you normally would at the gym, but make sure you are staying active, even if it’s just going for a daily walk. Exercise has a positive impact on mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative moods by improving self-esteem and cognitive function. It has also been found to alleviate symptoms of social withdrawal. Check out the 10 best YouTube Channels for at-home workouts!
Nicholas Epley, a behavioral scientist at the Booth School of Business said:
“Everyone knows you can feel alone in a crowd of people who are in very close physical proximity, but you can also feel very socially connected when talking on the phone with someone who might be on the other side of the planet.”
Just because we cannot physically see others does not mean that our emotional connections have to suffer. Keeping in contact with friends and family is critical for minimizing the sense of isolation that so many of us are feeling right now. Reach out via text, phone or social media and let your loved ones know you are thinking of them. Chances are, they are feeling just as isolated.
Too much news can have a negative effect on your mental health. When it comes to news intake, moderation is key. It is important to stay informed. However, you don’t want to overwhelm yourself. Try setting time limits for yourself. Choose a time of day to check your newsfeed or read the news, and give yourself thirty minutes, or so. Another option is to sign up for a daily newsletter or podcast to summarize the most important events of the day at one time. This is a great way to save time and energy while staying in the loop.
Setting goals gives you something to focus on and to work toward. Achieving goals gives you a sense of accomplishment– which can improve mental health. Now is the perfect time to accomplish the simple goals that you otherwise wouldn’t have time or patience for. A few ideas to try at a time like this might be: Cut back on the comfort foods by half; walk one mile everyday; learn how to do the splits; teach your animal a few tricks; try a new recipe every week. The key is to be realistic!
COVID-19 has impacted everyone in some way, and it’s okay to have bad days. However, at a time like this, we must actively work on our mental health. It can be difficult to watch the ‘overachievers’ on social media redo their entire house, lose 30 pounds, or learn a new language during quarantine… but most of the world isn’t doing this. Seriously. Be proud of yourself for the little things and focus on what’s to come!
Brought to you by Tara Schumann, Social Media/Marketing Manager for TJC Real Estate and Management Services
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