These past couple of weeks have not been easy and as someone who deals with anxiety, it has been extremely hard.
Unless you live on Mars (in which case, congrats on getting away from earth), you’ve heard of the coronavirus and its effects that have, essentially, put the world on pause. This has caused panic, terror, and anxiety in most of us. It has led to us over-reacting which is not good for our health, physically but mainly in this case mentally.
This is not an easy time, it is uncertain what will happen in a week or month from now but one thing that is certain is that panicking will not help get through this.
Throughout my life, there have been crises and times of hardships, like when I moved across the country and had a hard time handling it, and there are a couple of things that have helped me get through them so I made a list. Here are some tips on how to be mentally healthy in times of panic and anxiety, do one or do all I hope that they will help you amid the COVID-19 chaos that seems to envelop us all.
How to Be Mentally Healthy in a Time of Crisis, Chaos, and Panic
take a break from social media
Just like social media can be good, it can also be terrible for one’s mental health. With so many heartbreaking and stressful news, it is easy to get stuck and to feel hopeless. Taking a break, putting down your phone for an hour or day will certainly help you focus away from COVID-19.
focus on your hobbies (or anything that makes you relaxed)
Now that most of the world is on quarantine focusing on something besides pandemic can really keep you “sane” and take your mind off what is going on across the world.
Love baking? then try out new recipes. Always wanted to learn a new language? This is the perfect time for it (plus it doesn’t require any materials!). Doing what you love can really help you be happier, relaxed and it gives you a new focus.
I’ve mentioned regularly my mental health and how I ended up with this blog. Essentially, I was going through a hard time in my life and blogging is something I’ve always wanted to do, so one day I sat down, started writing, and realized that it actually helped take my mind off what was going on in my life and fell in love with it.
talk to someone
You’re not alone. Whatever the crisis is (COVID-19, moving, school) one thing that helps is talking to someone you trust.
You may be worried about work, school or your family and it’s normal to feel anxious but at the same time bottling it up does more harm than good. Talk to a friend or parent about your fears and thoughts, and although it cannot change the crisis it can help you feel less burdened and feel better.
I’m currently worried about school, all the assignments that need to be done and how this pandemic will affect finals season. I’m worried and more anxious than usual, but talking with my parents helps share and lighten the burden I’m feeling while at the same time listening to their fears and sharing them.
Related post: Why I was Gone for February
take care of yourself
it’s extremely easy right now to fall into bad/unhealthy habits such as not eating right, not exercising but not taking care of yourself you will feel worse about the situation your going trough (believe me, I know).
Have a spa day to pamper yourself, read your favorite book, watch the latest season of your favorite show. Clean (remember that chair piled with clothes?), bake, and take a deep breath.
Eat healthily and regularly. Now is the time the perfect time to catch up on your sleep, to talk with your friends and family and the time to put yourself first.
remember that this period will not last forever.
It may feel like this has been going on forever, but remember there is always an end. One day we will get past this, we will be able to go out, get together with every one and this will all be a memory. But first, we have to get through this to reach that end.
I hope that this will help you during these trying times. These tips work for anything like a breakup, job loss or move, not just the pandemic of 2020.
How have you been feeling during this time? Any other tips on being mentally healthy during a crisis?
remember to stay inside, keep a physical distance from everyone and wash your hands
Til next time,
Loren
This was so encouraging, thank you!!
Great tips! 😀
Thank you!!! I am freaking out at staying at home for such a long and indefinite period of time. I've been making efforts, but I do cry every two days. Thank you for sharing this!
Lindifique
I'm so glad that it encouraged you, Grace Marie! Hope your doing well.
Thank you, Skye 🙂
I'm so happy that this post helped you, Natalia. Hope you feel much better. Sending love ♥
I think focusing on hobbies really help and staying in connected with family and friends x
Laura
https://www.beautywithlala.com/
Hi! Thanks for sharing those useful tips.
Have a nice day!
Thank you for sharing your tips! I'm trying to focus more on hobbies and self-care!
Jill – Doused in Pink
So many great tips!
Xo, Kelsey
http://www.petiteinherheels.blogspot.com
These ate amazing tips. Focusing on our hobbies help a lot during this hard time. Stay safe. xx
https://www.ninakobi.com
This is great advice! I'm finding that social media is adding to my anxiety so I try to limit that too. Baking, writing blog posts, and coloring in a stress-free coloring book help me 🙂 Hope you're staying safe xx
-Nicolette Muro | https://thebrightestbrunette.com/
Great tips! I find that talking to someone is so important especially during this time of social distancing.
http://www.jeannieinabottleblog.com
Taking a break from social media and reading the news has helped me so much too. These are all great tips, thanks for sharing! I hope you're staying safe and healthy! 🙂
melissakacar.blogspot.com
These are certainly all great ways to stay positive during this time. I've also been finding myself watching a lot of tiktok videos for the humor.
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Thank you, Atsuna. Anything that helps take your mind of the current situation is great.
Thank you, Melissa. I'm glad to hear that taking a break has helped you ❤
That is very true! It helps express oneself and sharing the weight.
mmm baking sounds like a great de-stressing activity! Hope you are doing well, Nicolette
So glad that you enjoyed this post, Nina. Hope you are staying safe
Thank you, Kelsey!
It's great to hear that your are using hobbies for mental healthcare, Jill. Hope your'e doing well!
Thank you for coming by, Marianela. Hope you have a nice day!
Glad you found this post useful, Laura. Keeping in touch with family and friends is really important.