The COVID-19 pandemic has been a time of uncertainty, fear, and isolation for many of us. From job losses to health worries to the restrictions on social interactions, it’s easy to see why mental health has taken a hit during this period. I’ll admit, the first few months of lockdown were a whirlwind for me. I had moments where I felt overwhelmed, anxious, and completely drained by the situation. But, over time, I found ways to better manage my mental health, and today I want to share some practical tips that helped me—hopefully, these will help you, too.
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings
The first step in managing your mental health is accepting that it's okay to not feel okay. Early on, I struggled with the feeling that I should be fine because, after all, everyone was in the same boat. But the truth is, the pandemic affected us all in different ways, and it’s normal to feel anxious, sad, or frustrated. Acknowledging those feelings—without judgment—was the first thing I had to do. I stopped telling myself to "snap out of it" and started accepting that I was going through a tough time.
It’s important to recognize that mental health during a crisis, like a pandemic, can fluctuate from day to day. Some days, you might feel on top of the world, while others might be harder. Both are valid.
2. Stay Connected—Even from a Distance
One of the hardest parts of the pandemic for me was the isolation. I went from seeing friends and family regularly to not having in-person contact at all. Initially, I felt disconnected and, to be honest, a bit lonely. It wasn’t until I made a conscious effort to stay connected, even virtually, that I started feeling better.
Phone calls, video chats, or even good old-fashioned letters can help maintain that sense of connection. Socializing—albeit remotely—can reduce feelings of loneliness, improve mood, and offer emotional support. If you're feeling isolated, make it a point to reach out to someone—whether it's a friend, family member, or a therapist. You don’t have to go through this alone.
3. Maintain a Routine
One of the most significant changes during the pandemic was the disruption of my daily routine. Without the usual schedule of work, commuting, or social plans, I found it easy to slip into unhealthy habits. Some days, I’d wake up and not even know what time it was, feeling like I was floating through the day without purpose.
I realized that creating and sticking to a routine helped ground me. It doesn’t have to be overly rigid, but having a general structure to the day can give a sense of control. When I made sure to wake up at the same time each day, get dressed, eat regular meals, and have some form of physical activity, it gave me a sense of normalcy. Even if I didn't have a long to-do list, just having a basic framework to follow helped me mentally.
4. Focus on What You Can Control
The uncertainty of the pandemic often made me feel like everything was spiraling out of control, and that can lead to feelings of helplessness and stress. But I quickly realized that trying to control things outside of my influence, like the spread of the virus or government policies, only added to my anxiety.
Instead, I focused on the things I could control: my daily habits, my attitude, my space, and my health. These were things I could take action on, and doing so gave me a sense of agency. For example, I started meal prepping, sticking to regular sleep hours, and making time for self-care. These small actions not only gave me a sense of purpose but also helped reduce the feelings of helplessness that the pandemic brought.
5. Practice Self-Care
It’s easy to overlook self-care during a stressful time, but it is essential for managing your mental health. When I first started feeling the weight of the pandemic, I realized I had neglected my self-care routine. I used to take long walks, read books, and treat myself to relaxing activities, but those things went out the window when I got wrapped up in the stress.
Now, I make a conscious effort to set aside time for self-care. It’s different for everyone, but for me, it can be something as simple as taking a warm bath, watching a favorite TV show, or practicing mindfulness. On more stressful days, I turn to deep breathing exercises or a quick yoga routine to help calm my nerves. Even if you only have a few minutes, make time for these moments of self-care—they add up.
6. Exercise Regularly
Exercise has always been one of the best ways to lift my mood and keep my mental health in check. During the pandemic, however, with gyms closed and outdoor activities limited, I found myself less motivated to move my body. But I soon realized that staying active is even more important during stressful times.
I started by incorporating simple exercises like stretching or bodyweight workouts at home. As I got more into it, I added brisk walks and even online fitness classes. The key is to find something that feels good for your body. I don't always feel like exercising, but even just 20 minutes of movement can work wonders for reducing stress and boosting endorphins. Plus, it’s a great way to break up the day if you’re stuck at home.
7. Limit Exposure to News and Social Media
While staying informed is important, constantly checking the news or scrolling through social media can exacerbate anxiety. The endless stream of negative headlines and sensationalism can make everything feel even more overwhelming.
During the height of the pandemic, I had to consciously limit my news consumption and social media time. I started setting boundaries, like only checking the news once or twice a day, and following accounts that promote positive, uplifting content. I also muted or unfollowed accounts that were contributing to my stress. This shift allowed me to stay informed but without feeling bombarded by negative stories every time I picked up my phone.
8. Seek Professional Help If Needed
There’s no shame in seeking help, and I learned this lesson early on during the pandemic. At times, my anxiety felt too heavy to bear, and I realized that it wasn’t something I could manage alone. I reached out to a therapist for virtual sessions, which was incredibly helpful. Talking things through with a professional can provide you with coping strategies, emotional support, and a safe space to express what you’re going through.
If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Many mental health professionals offer teletherapy or virtual counseling, which means you don’t have to leave home to get the support you need. There are also support groups and helplines available for those who need a listening ear.
9. Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to remember that we’re living through a global crisis. It’s easy to get frustrated with yourself for not achieving everything you “should” be, like maintaining peak productivity, exercising every day, or always staying upbeat. But life during a pandemic is stressful, and sometimes, the best you can do is simply get through the day.
For me, I had to adjust my expectations. There were days when all I could do was get out of bed, eat a decent meal, and relax on the couch—and that was enough. Progress doesn’t always mean pushing forward in the traditional sense. It’s okay to have days where you just need to breathe and take care of yourself.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
Above all, be kind to yourself. The pandemic has been a stressful and exhausting time for everyone, and it’s easy to be hard on yourself for not always feeling 100% or for struggling with the changes. But remember, mental health is a journey, not a destination.
Be gentle with yourself, acknowledge your wins (no matter how small), and take it one step at a time. If you have a tough day, don’t beat yourself up—tomorrow is a new day.
The pandemic has undoubtedly challenged all of us, but it’s also shown us the importance of taking care of our mental health. By recognizing your feelings, staying connected, keeping a routine, and practicing self-care, you can better navigate these challenging times. And if things get too overwhelming, don't hesitate to ask for help. We're all in this together, and prioritizing mental health is more important than ever. Stay kind to yourself and take it one day at a time.
0 comments:
Post a Comment