Increased stress and anxiety during COVID-19 are common. From either fear of the virus or due to other factors, like isolation from family and friends, individuals have experienced a decrease in their mental health. However, there are various ways to help improve and protect mental health during such trying times.
Maintaining a routine can play an important role in preserving and increasing mental health during a pandemic. Upholding existing routines or creating new ones is essential. Most routines should feature going to sleep and waking up at similar times each day, exercising regularly, maintaining specific times to work and relax, regular and healthy meals, and maintaining personal hygiene. Adhering to a routine or factors like these can increase motivation and improve overall mood and wellbeing.
Another way to increase mental health is to reach out and maintain communication with friends and family. The majority of the world is being urged to remain at home and limit their contact with others, which increases feelings of isolation. To help prevent isolation and protect mental health, it is imperative to reach out to others via text, FaceTime, Zoom, or phone call.
Another way to improve mental health is to do something beneficial to keep busy. Learning a new skill or language can be an incredible way to improve mental wellbeing by increasing your sense of purpose and boost your self-esteem. Also, you can show off your new skill or language after the pandemic is over.
Finally, if you have existing mental health conditions that have been aggravated by the pandemic, or are developing new symptoms, it is crucial to reach out and ask for help. A lot of providers are operating in revised ways during COVID-19, like through telephone or video consultations. Those who require emotional support can still get help and improve their mental health. Other ways to improve mental health are to stay active, limit social media use, practice mindfulness, and meditate.1
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1News-Medical. (2020, October 29). Protecting Your Mental Health During a Pandemic. News-Medical.net. https://www.news-medical.net/health/Protecting-your-Mental-Health-During-a-Pandemic.aspx
