As we face these challenging times, becoming comfortable with uncertainty and prioritizing your mental health is imperative. Whether you’re experiencing unemployment, working from home, or just trying to adjust to this new normal, the importance of knowing when to give yourself a break to focus on you cannot be understated.
Below we have highlighted tips to help you strengthen your mental health today:
- Reflect on Feelings — Meditation is a self-reflection activity that can calm your mind and keep you focused on the present moment. This activity is effective in controlling anxiety and enhancing the immune system. Click here for tips on how to successfully meditate.
- Stick to a Routine — Continue to abide by your normal routine by maintaining pre-quarantine habits. When experiencing constant change, having some familiarity in your daily activities can make life feel more manageable.
- Get Outside — While still taking precautionary measures, going outside and exposing yourself to nature has been proven to boost your mental and physical well-being. Go for a walk around your neighborhood and visit the closest green space if you find yourself dwelling on the negatives.
- Focus on the Tangible — Concentrate on the positive and uplifting moments and focus on the things that you can control like ensuring the safety of yourself and those around you. Wash your hands often, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, avoid touching your face and non-essential travel, wear a mask in public places, and keep your immune system strong by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and getting an adequate amount of sleep.
- Embrace the Uncertainty — As hard as it is to not question what will happen next, it is essential to take it one step at a time. Practice mindfulness and put your body in a relaxed state or keep yourself busy with tasks at home. Either can help ease your mind as worry and uncertainty continues to creep in.
For more tips, click here.
We encourage you to find time for yourself and prioritize self-care. If you find yourself struggling mentally, reach out to your physician, therapist or psychologist, discuss telehealth options and take advantage of resources available to you:
- CDC Guidance on Stress and Coping.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Resource and Information Guide.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline and Updates.
- Guidance from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
- HeretoHelp’s How to Tolerate Uncertainty.
- Discounts and free memberships offered by Calm and Headspace are also available to help you reduce stress and find peace.
- For professional help, consider services like BetterHelp and Talkspace.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.