Life has been turned upside down for all of us, around the world, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know instinctively that it’s vital during these trying times to stay as healthy as possible physically, but our mental health also needs attention. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay strong mentally, as we all ride this out:
1. Get outside and enjoy nature.
Yes, there are many places that are prohibited right now. But, you can still go out and experience the great outdoors. There is something to be said about the peace that we feel when we take a break from the stress of our daily lives and just breathe in the fresh air. It can improve your mental state if you take the time, each and every day, to experience and appreciate nature, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
2. Start a daily gratitude practice.
While not always easy, reminding ourselves of the positive aspects of our lives rather than dwelling on the negative can reframe any difficult experience. By appreciating the good things in our new day-to-day, we can create an expanded perspective for ourselves. Some people practice gratitude in individual moments, while others prefer to keep a gratitude journal. Find whichever method works best for you and try to return to it every day.
3. Download a meditation app.
We live in a day and age where there is an app for everything, including meditation. Taking the time to meditate and quiet the mind is time well spent. Meditation can reduce anxiety and stress dramatically, and instantly. It has also been known to boost brainpower, enhance focus, and brighten your disposition.
4. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
Getting enough sleep may be easier to do during these times, when so other activities are on pause. But getting too much sleep can also have negative effects on your mental health. The experts say that it’s best to maintain a sleep schedule of 8-10 hours, and go to bed about the same time, every night for optimal health.
5. Socialize while social distancing.
Obviously it can be difficult to socialize with friends and family when we can’t even leave our homes. But this pandemic has hit us at a time when it is still possible to communicate through Zoom, Skype, or via a simple phone call. Connecting with those you love can lift your mental well-being and theirs.
Keeping it simple is often the way to go. If you’re not doing any of these things to maintain a healthy mental outlook, maybe you can try just one of them today. Or maybe they’ll inspire you to come up with a new idea or practice of your own.
All of us at Bussani Mobility care about you, and we’re staying optimistic that we will emerge out of this crisis stronger than ever and with a greater appreciation for the little things we may have sometimes taken for granted. If there’s anything we can do to help you, please call us.