Mental Health Tips During COVID-19 (Winter Edition)
COVID-19 hasn’t just ravaged the world in terms of deaths, but it’s also dealt a significant blow to everyone’s mental health.
The unprecedented circumstances created by COVID-19 have brought about a great deal of stress and uncertainty for individuals and communities. While hiking, outdoor picnics, patio seating and walks around the block made it slightly easier to ignore the virus’s prescience this year, with Fall coming to an end and lockdown at places.. the winter has shuttered everyone in doors, and that dreaded second wave seems to finally be upon us. As we head into the thick of it together, here are some five coping tips to help you stay sane through what is sure to be a difficult winter.
Stay in touch with Family & Friends
This is the one that keep me going and makes me feel good. Thanks to the virtual technology options we have now. Starting from Skype to Whatsapp.
Just because we can’t physically be in the same room as others doesn’t mean we have to completely isolate ourselves. Make sure you’re staying in contact with your friends and family. Arrange weekly Virtual happy hours, Connect with friends outside work, Schedule a Virtual game night, or play online games and game together. Staying connected will no doubt help you maintain good mental health.
Basic Routines
It’s important going into winter that you stick closely to your routines. Maintaining a routine gives you a sense of purpose, organization and how you manage your day. Make sure you have a healthy routine that involves eating at regular intervals, hydrating yourself, waking up at the same time of day and keeping up with good sleep hours.
Develop Hobbies or Habits
Life in the times of Covid, can leave an empty room and time for some of us. Engaging in hobbies and activities (that you have always thought of, but did not have the time) can make you feel good and momentarily take your mind off. I know it is a struggle to even maintain a basic routine but trying to find that one thing that you would like to do can do the trick to keep up the routine or if you already have a hobby/activity that you do — brush up on some old ones. Things I have given a shot at are painting, plants, cooking more :)
No Obsessing over the news
While we all may be obsessing over the news, a lack of filter when it comes to absorbing information can lead to doom scrolling. Make sure you stick to your reliable news sources and also make sure you stop reading the news once you update yourself via your chosen news source. Make sure you distance yourself if you start to feel depressed looking at the news. Sometimes ignorance is truly bliss. Actually most of the times it is! ;)
Make time for self care and breaks
Just because you cannot travel or spend time for vacations or getaways doesn’t mean you don’t take time off from work. It is a must for you to take time offs to function better and invest time in yourself and your family. Self care is the something everyone should focus on. It could be a small thing as well like having a hot bubble bath, unfollow social media that does not bring you joy and many more. Everyone deserves self care and love.
Use your vacation days and sick days to maintain a balanced work life balance. Working from home does not mean you cannot use them.
Be kind to others and your mind.
