Overcome Pandemic Mental Health Issues
As we continue to live in a pandemic world, the toll on our mental health can be considerable. Working around COVID-19 precautions, changing our routines and, perhaps most notably, being separated from each other wears on us. In fact, in December, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that 42% of people reported symptoms of anxiety or depression, compared with just 11% one year earlier.
While paying attention to your mental health has always been important, these days it’s become essential. In keeping with May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the following are some ways that medical and mental health experts suggest you focus on maintaining a healthy mind.
- Seek routine. As much as possible, hold to your normal schedules and activities, including sleep patterns.
- Take a news break. Headlines can be worrying. Create a news-free time each day as a break from the continuing crisis.
- Make time to de-stress. Consciously set aside quiet times to simply relax.
- Take care of your body. The mind-body connection is a two-way street. Caring for your body by exercising and eating and sleeping well will help to keep your mind healthy.
- Connect with others. Being separated doesn’t have to mean being disconnected. Make a point of talking regularly on the phone or video conference with friends and family.
- Tap into your faith. Your spiritual well-being will feed your mental health.
- Do good for others. Research has shown that doing something good for someone else will do a lot of good for you.
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Tags: covid, COVID-19, mental health, pandemic