The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the foundation of our everyday lives. Social distancing, self-isolation, and personal protection equipment used to be unfamiliar terms until now. There is no denying that our lives changed drastically due to the coronavirus outbreak. Sometimes, these changes may fill you with doubts about the future. That’s totally understandable, because pretty much everyone feels the same way.
Many of us are eager for our lives to go back to normal, and it can be frustrating to feel like you have little control over this pandemic. However, staying positive is essential for our mental health during COVID-19. Instead of wishing you can change the situation, try focusing on the activities in your life that you can control, which will help you feel more confident and reassured. Accept your limits, let go of the negative thoughts, and seek counselling services when you need expert advice.
As we remain optimistic about the development of a vaccine, it’s important to take good care of yourself mentally and emotionally. This process starts by understanding how to stay positive during the pandemic. We prepared a list of the best coping mechanisms, which can help you feel more at ease about your new way of life.
1. Create a positive morning routine
What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Do you check your phone to read the latest COVID-19 news before you even get out of bed? While it’s important to stay informed, you may be better off scheduling your news search until later in the day. How we begin each morning has a ripple effect on how we feel about the rest of our day. It’s important that we wake up feeling good about ourselves and look forward to the day ahead of us.
Create a positive morning routine that will help you start each day on the right foot. Get out of bed, stretch your body, eat a nutritious breakfast, and take a relaxing bath or shower. Make a habit of starting each day with the activities you enjoy, as it will set an encouraging pace for the rest of the day.
2. Take a break from news about the pandemic
There are days where nothing can dampen our spirits faster than watching the news. It’s important to keep up with the latest pandemic developments, but don’t overwhelm yourself to the point that you feel stressed. Constant news reports every hour of every day will take a toll on your mental health. Rest assured you can catch up on the latest headlines (or promising news of a vaccine discovery!) even if you take a short break.
When you do consume media, make sure your COVID-19 news and facts only come from reliable sources. There are many websites spreading fake news or conspiracy theories, aimed to induce paranoia. Instead, follow the reputable news providers backed by verified research and credible journalism. You will feel more positive and reassured when from reading factually accurate news.
3. Take good care of your body
Taking care of our health is pivotal during COVID-19. It’s important to follow safety precautions for hand sanitizing and mask wearing, but you should also remember to maintain your general health. Since the home quarantine started, some of us may not have been exercising, or we may not be getting enough sleep at night. As a result, we might feel groggy and less energetic during the day, which can absolutely impact our mood.
If you have some free time during your self-isolation period, use it to improve your fitness and wellness. Exercise regularly, catch up on sleep, and remember to eat nutritious meals. These simple activities will give your body an energy boost, helping you tackle each day with verve and vigour.
4. Try a meditation session
Meditation is a practice that can help you feel more present in the moment, without worrying about what the future holds. Practicing meditation doesn’t have to be complicated. You can search for guided meditation videos online, or simply sit in silence and pay attention to nothing but your breath for a few minutes. If you are feeling stressed or anxious about COVID-19, meditation is a great way to help you relax and stay calm.
5. Go outside and enjoy nature
Nature is a wonderful place to help you release negative emotions, especially after you’ve been cooped up indoors for the past few months. Step outside into your backyard or balcony, where you can lounge around on a sleepy afternoon with an iced drink and some light reading. You will be amazed at how much the sunshine, the good weather, and a change of scenery can help to lift your spirits.
If you have no access to a solitary outdoor space, perhaps you can get some indoor plants and set them around your home. The presence of fresh flowers blossoming in your living space, and spreading its sweet aroma in the air, will put you in a happier mood.
6. Stay connected with your loved ones
Since the pandemic started, you may have felt a little isolated due to the social distancing rules. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, coworkers, and family for a phone call or a video chat. Listening to a familiar voice, a funny inside joke, or a heartfelt conversation can be quite comforting. Even if it’s just to say hello, take the initiative to strike up a chat. This interpersonal connection can be a morale booster for you, plus it will brighten the other person’s day too!
Sometimes, you may experience negative emotions that you don’t feel comfortable sharing with your acquaintances. That’s totally understandable, but you shouldn’t keep these feelings bottled up inside. Make sure you talk to a counselling service for anxiety, depression, or any emotional trauma that you may feel during the pandemic.
7. Stay away from social media overuse
Social media comes with its pros and cons. You can chat with friends, catch up on news, and entertain yourself with endless videos, images, and amusing banter. These platforms serve as wonderful diversions from your daily routines, giving you a reprieve from COVID-19 anxiety.
However, social media can also be volatile. Your contacts might constantly talk about the pandemic, share real and fake news alike, or argue about politics. Plus, every anonymous comment you read is like a minefield for provoking negative thoughts. Overall, it might be a good idea to moderate your social media use to a minimum, especially if these online activities begin to affect your mental health.
8. Always stay positive and optimistic
There’s no crystal ball telling us what the future holds after the pandemic, but maintaining optimism is so important. No matter what your situation is, stay positive and remember that you have a lot to be grateful for. Think about how this pandemic has given us the opportunity to slow down and take care of ourselves. When the pandemic passes, what you’ll take out of this experience is a deeper appreciation for the world around you. Cherish each moment in life and focus your energy on what makes you happy.
Taking care of your mental health is always important, especially during the pandemic. If COVID-19 has you feeling emotionally affected, get in touch with Kari Walton Counselling Services. We will provide you with the professional guidance and support to help you feel more at ease.