The COVID-19 pandemic has taken its toll on more than just people’s physical health. The increased fear and worry, combined with the decreased option for in person interactions with friends and others outside of your immediate household has threatened the mental health of many.
Social distancing measures that restrict physical contact haven’t helped either. It’s important that you take steps to protect your mental health during this pandemic. So what can you do?
Take Breaks from the News
The news is in a majority sense a very negative platform. It’s not healthy to take in excessive negativity. It can actually damage your brain chemistry. Because of this, it’s a good idea to take breaks from the news periodically.
Things won’t suddenly get worse because you stop monitoring the news for a short while. If you feel an overwhelming need to stay informed, designate someone else to give you important updates periodically until you’re done with your break.
Work on your Mental Health during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Speaking of communicating with people, staying social is an important part of protecting your mental health. True, social distancing has kind of put a bit of a halt on getting close to other people, but it doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to socialize.
Social distancing doesn’t mean cutting off contact from friends and family. There are lots of ways you can still connect with other people. Use social media to keep up with friends and update them on how you’re doing.
Take some time to connect with people over the phone. If you’re feeling a bit old fashioned, try writing a letter. You can even try masking up and spending some time in the physical company of other people. Just make sure you stay at least six feet away.
Practice Self Care
With the increased isolation, you might think that taking some time for yourself might be the opposite of what you need to protect your mental health, but that’s far from true. Self care is an important part of maintaining your mental health.
This can include things like staying physically active, making an extra effort to eat healthy, and taking some time to do something that you enjoy. These healthy practices will help you feel better mentally and physically.
The negative emotions brought on by excessive news coverage, the isolation that can result from social distancing, and the tendency to neglect yourself can take a serious toll on your mental health.
As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, it’s more important now than ever for you to take steps to protect your mental health. By doing so you will empower yourself to more readily face the challenges that face you.
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