How to Protect Your Mental Health During the Pandemic: Essential Tips and Strategies
The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted mental health, bringing restrictions on celebrations, witnessing severe health crises, and adhering to rigorous hygiene routines. With ongoing challenges, it's crucial to focus on strategies to safeguard your mental well-being.
1. Get Some Exercise
You don’t need a gym to stay active. Simple exercises like push-ups, jumping jacks, burpees, or even a jog around the block can be done at home. Besides building endurance and strength.
2. Stay in Contact With Loved Ones
Loneliness and social isolation can exacerbate mental health issues. In addition, the European Medical Journal states that loneliness in older adults increases the risk of dementia and other serious health disorders. Regular communication with loved ones through phone calls, video chats, or text messages can alleviate feelings of loneliness. Creative virtual interactions, like playing online games together, can also strengthen bonds.
3. Leave the House
Even with ongoing restrictions, getting outside can improve your mood. In a study published in IIssues in Mental Health Nursing, vitamin D, which can be absorbed by the body from sunlight, is a great mood booster and actually is used to treat depression. So, if you’re feeling down and lonely in the house, spend some time in the backyard or go for a walk at the park.
4. Reach Out to a Therapist
If your mental health was already a concern before the pandemic, it may have worsened. Fortunately, many mental health professionals have transitioned to telemedicine. Scheduling a video call with a therapist can offer support and coping strategies during these times.
5. Stay Connected with Your Local Church
Many churches offer online services that provide a sense of community and spiritual support. Even if in-person attendance isn’t possible, participating in virtual services and connecting with your pastor via phone can provide encouragement from the Bible and a fresh perspective.
6. Get a Pet
If loneliness is overwhelming, consider adopting a pet. Pets provide companionship and emotional support, and studies show that pet ownership is linked to improved mental health. A survey conducted by the Human Animal Bond Research Institute, mental health improvements were seen in about 74% of pet owners. A friendly dog or cat could be just what you need to lift your spirits.
Final Thoughts
Prioritizing your mental health during the pandemic is essential. By staying active, connected, and seeking support, you can navigate these challenging times with greater resilience. Share your strategies for combating isolation and find what works best for you.
What do you do to fight isolation?
For more stress-relief tips, check out 5 Stress Relievers - The Purple Vine
Debbie Compton
I am an author, speaker, caregiver, and Grammy. The latter is by far the most fun! Having been a primary caregiver 3x, I realized so many lessons were learned too late to benefit my Dad who passed of Parkinson's Disease. I resolved to write a book to make life easier and safer for other caregivers that would get them ideas, inspiration, and lessons learned. It's called "Caregiving: How To Hold On While Letting Go" available on Amazon. I am a Certified Caregiver Consultant and Advocate as well as a Community Educator for the Alzheimer's Assoc. and Founder of The PurpleVine LLC
