The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to impose itself upon the world, forcing people to self-quarantine and practice social distancing. But, while keeping your distance from others is a necessary step in order to protect your physical health, not seeing your friends, family or co-workers for such an extended period of time can be harmful to your mental well-being.
As you do your best to stay safe from COVID-19, it’s important that you don’t overlook your mental health. In order to keep your spirits up during the pandemic, consider the following tips:
- Get some fresh air – Even if just for a few minutes, take some time to get some fresh air throughout the day while also abiding by social-distancing guidelines set by your local health officials.
- Have a routine—Do your best to stick to a personal routine. For example, if you used to go to the gym to start your day, try to still get a morning workout in at home.
- Maintain your sleep schedule—Avoid developing bad habits, like sleeping in or staying up too late.
- Use technology—Combat feelings of loneliness, and stay in touch with your friends and family by using technology, like video chat software or social media.
- Regulate your updates—Limit how often you check the news for new information about COVID-19. Checking for updates all day can lead to stress or feelings of being overwhelmed.
If you have concerns about your mental well-being, contact a mental health professional or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) National Helpline by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).
