The COVID-19 pandemic doesn't seem to be stopping, but one thing you may want to consider is how to take care of your mental health. Your mental health matters, and between depression, anxiety, and stress, these three can take a toll on your life. And, it's a lot harder for you to keep your mental health in check, but we'll give you some tips to help you take care of your health during a pandemic.
Don't Be Afraid to Talk to someone
You're not alone. This is a big issue for many people, and even reaching out to a counselor practicing online therapy may be one of the best things for you to do. You can seek out affordable professional counseling at BetterHelp, and it could help you with better understanding why you feel this way.
If you normally don't suffer from depression, it may creep into your life with the nature of the pandemic. Between the doom and gloom of things, and the stress and insecurity of it all, seeking out help is not something to be ashamed of.
Remember, relying on technology isn't a bad thing, so consider talking to your friends too. A mental health app like BetterHelp is convenient, easy to use, and it's right there, so if you're not sure what to do next, this could be a valid solution.
Go Outside
This may not be possible for some, but you can go outside while also avoiding COVID hotspots. Even just going for a walk in your neighborhood is a good thing for you to do.
For starters, it is good to get outside. Being trapped at home isn't good for you, especially with anxiety and depression wreaking havoc on everything.
But also, getting outside gets you out of your head. It's a way to help naturally relax the body and provides ample stress relief for many.
Staying inside is good for some, but you can't do that forever, and even taking short, nightly walks or even walks around the neighborhood gets you away from the pain, and it can help with reducing depression.
Don't Be Afraid to Express How you Feel
This is a big one, especially if you are the type to hold back your feelings. But it is okay to express your feelings on the pandemic and the stress of it all.
Being honest about your feelings is good. Showing a little bit of empathy too when someone else expresses this is good.
It forms solidarity and helps you feel less alone, something many of us struggle with feeling. But, with the ability to express our feelings encouraged, it is a good thing to express how things are going, and how they really make you feel.
Empathy matters for a variety of reasons. It helps build connections, shows emotions, and builds trust and happiness. If you're talking and you express your feelings, you'll be shown empathy mostly.
Remember, we're all in this together, and it can be good for you to say how you really feel too.
Consider Pursuing a New Hobby
A new hobby will help you get you out of your head, and also is a good thing if you struggle with trying to figure out your feelings and don't want to worry about that.
A new hobby helps with the neuroplasticity of the brain, building new pathways and channels.
It also helps with your mental health. Doing something stimulating to the mind is good too, since it helps you feel better, and can build interest.
Think about those things you've always wanted to try but have hesitated on.
Consider trying them today, and see how you feel. Sometimes a new hobby is a good way to cope, and is a fun way to help you feel good too when the going gets tough, and things are rough.
Plus, with a new hobby, you can meet others, and take time to get to know them better, further building solidarity during these uncertain times.
Meditate and Relax
A good thing to start doing is relaxing and meditating. A lot of people don't realize how stressed and on edge they are until they sit down and relax. It can be beneficial for you, and healthy as well.
Relaxing is essential to health and wellness, and it's a good thing for you to do. If you feel a bit stressed out, sometimes closing your eyes and breathing is good. This is a great way to handle stress on all fronts, from the stress of the pandemic, to even personal stress.
Remember to Take Care of Yourself
The best thing for you to do is to take care of yourself during these uncertain times. It will change your life, and it will help you with better understanding yourself too. If you need help, consider seeking out online therapy, and don't be ashamed if you need it.
The pandemic is still going on, and times are still strange and uncertain, so don't be afraid to protect your mental health and take care of yourself as best as you can so you can stay strong and healthy.
