Living through a pandemic isn’t easy, and the toll on the world’s mental health is obvious. Even if you don’t feel like COVID has you stressed, the extended quarantine is still a great excuse to make sure you’re in a happy and healthy mental state.
Take a Media Break
If you’re feeling stressed and nervous, one of the first things you should do is turn off your news feed. A flux of negative headlines has been shown to cause headline stress disorder, and 2020 has certainly delivered on the hard-to-handle news.
Make a commitment to spending an entire day without accessing the internet. Use this time to check in with your family members, complete a few chores, and generally regain a sense of stability. When you’re ready to turn the computer back on, pay attention to whether your use is excessive. You may want to set limits or adjust your habits to better accommodate your lifestyle.
Rotate Your Hobbies
When work and life blend together, monotony gains a whole new meaning. You may be sick and tired of watching the same shows, playing the same games, and looking at the same environment. Although you can’t necessarily change your surroundings, you can definitely add variety to your list of favorite pastimes.
Some people already have a hobby that they’ve been neglecting to try, but other people may struggle to find variation in their free time. Even small variations, such as watching a new genre of television show, can help get you out of a mental rut; don’t be afraid to make changes that work well for you.
Watch Your Overall Health
It’s hard to be mentally healthy when you’re not physically healthy. Before you pay too much attention to your anxiety, make sure that you’re taking care of your basic needs. This includes getting enough sleep, drinking enough water, and eating a relatively balanced diet. If you’re not exercising, you should probably start at least a small routine; however, be aware that anxiety may also be caused by over-exertion.
Staying healthy can also include taking care of your environment and your responsibilities. If you feel stressed, it might be because something needs to get done. Take a quick look around to see if you’ve done your laundry and paid your bills. Just remember to relax once your chores are done; after all, your goal is to decrease your anxiety.
Don’t forget that if you’re struggling with your mental health, you can always reach out to us here at CCPS. We’ll be happy to help you make a virtual appointment and discuss your problems in a safe and comfortable space.