With the current events around COVID-19, it can be quite challenging to remain mentally ‘sound’ when in isolation by yourself and even as a group. While it’s important to practice isolation and the appropriate distancing measures during this ongoing spread of COVID-19, it can be easy to forget to practice self-care.
As you continue to be a responsible citizen and respect and practice these distancing measures, here are some ways to look after your health and well-being during this time:
1.Keep in contact with your loved ones and friends in other ways
Yes, we certainly need to respect our physical and social distancing measures that are in place but this does not mean we cannot remain social in other ways that still allow us to help stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s important to take the time to still be in touch with people every so often. You can do so by gathering a bunch of family or friends for a group video call to enjoy an online book club, coffee morning, Friday game night etc. Although in social isolation, we should not feel alone. Staying in touch with one another will help our mental well-being as it gives us an alternative to still be close to our normal routines as best as we can.
2.Try maintaining a routine
Maintaining a routine can provide a sense of normality. Waking up at similar times, taking a break around the same times, getting a full 8 hours or more of sleep, all help to provide a sense of routine to your normal days.
3. Stay Active
Although you may be inside the house during most of the time these days, you can stay physically active by taking a break to do home exercises, playing with the pets or taking a quick safe stroll if permitted. Keeping physically active will help your mind stay sharp and keep you healthy, while also enjoying munching away on all the baked goods you have!
4. Limit the amount of news reading and watching
Although it’s important to stay up to date with the changing global situation, keeping a limit on the time you spend daily with the news is vital to keep a sound mindset. It’s certainly touching and scary times out there so sometimes constantly keeping up with the news can bring on a lot of anxiety and stress. The best we can do is remain in our isolation protocols and plan our days one day at a time, while looking out for one another.
5. Support our family and friends
We are definitely not alone in this even if it feels like that some days. We’re each going through the struggles of these challenging times in our own different ways. It’s important to check in on the people you love and care for so that we all remember the shared mutual support we have. A simple phone call to share our thoughts, feelings and our days can go a long way.
6. Practice self-care
Although these tips all aim at helping improve your mental health and well-being, taking an actual moment to listen to music, use a face mask, have some indulgence are all little things that help us practice self-care. It can be easy to forget to do this with our busy everyday routines but it’s one of the most simplest and important ways to help maintain a better mental health.
7. Stay positive
Stay positive as best as you can. Find ways to do so, find others to help. We are all certainly in this together and we will get through this together.
Stay well and stay safe everyone.
