Since the WHO declared the COVID-19 a global pandemic many of us have been either partially or totally confined to our houses for a variety of reasons. This can be very stressful on our minds and bodies. It is important to manage anxiety and balance our mental health as much as possible while stuck at home. With this in mind, we have put together a few tips for you on how to maintain your mental health while in quarantine.
For more advice, we also have articles on Social Distancing and Quarantine Holidays
1 – Manage Expectations
A lot of our mental focus right now is taken up worrying about COVID-19 so it is important to be understanding of lowered productivity in yourself and others. We are going through a collective trauma currently and we should all be aware of our expectations.
2 – Routine
Stay as close to your normal routine as possible. Eat, sleep, and dress as if you would any other day and set aside time slots for work, play, and chores. This will keep you busy and also help you when you transition back to normal life later on.
3 – Avoid Coronavirus Obsession
Consume media and news in moderation. It can be tempting to check stats, symptoms, and other COVID-19 news often but this can lead to anxiety and obsession. Limit yourself to set time limits for news consumption from reputable sources. ( who.int or cdc.gov for example)
4 – Move Around
Even if you can’t leave your house, try for at least 30min of exercise a day. Getting your blood pumping can help your mental health and sleep schedule immensely. Stretching, yoga, and aerobics are great options for working out at home.