Healthy Mind, Healthy Body
STAYING SANE DURING SOCIAL DISTANCING
In the rapidly changing days we are living in with the growing presence of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recommended staying at home as much as possible, that individuals not gather in groups of ten or more, keeping a distance of 6 feet at all times, and if you are feeling sick or suspect that you may have been exposed to the disease self-quarantine at home for 14 days.
This advice is meant to slow the spread of COVID-19, but following these guidelines can come at the price of your mental well-being. The following tips may help you to cope with the responsibility of following social distancing advice.
STICK TO A ROUTINE
One of the best things you can do in your day-to-day life amid all the uncertainty, is simply find a routine. This may look different from your old normal, but planning things like daily exercise, meals, and bedtimes can all create a new sense of normalcy, which can help to boost your mood, and to not focus on boredom or stress.
A routine is just as important for kids if you have them at home now. Try implementing a schedule and setting expectations for virtual schoolwork, chores, learning activities, and screen time limits.
GET YOUR RECOMMENDED DOSE OF ZZZ’S
A good night’s sleep is crucial to maintaining mental well-being and giving your body a chance to rest and recover. This goes right along with creating a routine, try to have a set time that you plan to wake up and go to bed each day, even though you don’t have that meeting to be at bright and early in the morning. Limiting screen time before bed can also help you get the quality sleep your mind and body needs to stay healthy.
BREATHE IN SOME FRESH AIR
Unless officials have given explicit instructions to stay indoors, try get make it outside a few times a day. Play with the kids in the backyard, have your morning cup of coffee on the front porch, or take a walk around the block before you grab your mail. Keep in mind social distancing advice and avoid creating large groups, even outdoors.
When our skin is exposed directly to the sun, the body makes vitamin D, a vitamin most people are deficient in. Vitamin D has been shown to support immune system function. A little warm sunshine is always a good mood lifter too.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF TECHNOLOGY
While we are social distancing and self-quarantining, it can be easy to feel lonely. The good news is technology has come a long way and there are many ways to connect with friends and family while we can’t be physically around them. If you are feeling lonely or anxious, or just want to expand your waning social life, try reaching out to loved ones with a video call or phone call to get back in touch. Humans need community, and it’s important to continue to give that to yourself in new ways. Share this experience together, you aren’t alone!
BE INFORMED, NOT OBSESSED
Of course it’s important to stay current on what is happening with COVID-19, but it can become overwhelming if your phone and television are tuned into a never-ending stream of news all day, every day. Think about just checking for updates once in the morning and once in the evening, to help keep worry and stress at a minimum.
ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
Experiencing some fear and uncertainty is undeniable, but taking some time each day to think about and write down the things you are grateful for can alleviate some of that stress. Building this time into your routine is a powerful way to change your mindset on the current situation and boost your mood. Practice positivity!
SUMMARY
Our minds and bodies are deeply connected, and in all the extraordinary efforts we are now taking to keep ourselves healthy physically, be careful not to neglect how essential your mental well-being is to your overall health. Everyone’s experience will be different, and the suggestions listed above should not be taken as medical advice.
If you are concerned about your mental well-being while dealing with the effects of COVID-19, please reach out to your mental health professional or use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline by calling 800-662-HELP (4357).