Practices to Help Maintain Mental Health During the Coronavirus Lockdown
During the COVID-19 crisis, staying indoors has become a necessity. However, it can be challenging for individuals who are accustomed to social interaction and outdoor activities. One may find it frustrating to be restricted to their homes. The effects of such confinement can slowly impact an individual’s mental health. To alleviate this, there are a few practices one can follow to survive the lockdown.
1. Change Your Attitude :
Reframing one’s perspective can be a crucial step in addressing mental health concerns. It’s not uncommon for individuals to perceive their circumstances as a form of punishment resulting from the fault or mistake of another. However, these attitudes can negatively impact one’s mental wellbeing. Therefore, it is recommended to alter mindsets by focusing on the positives. For instance, the current situation can be viewed as an opportunity to reorganize and improve one’s life. Such an outlook can provide a solid foundation for commencing one’s journey towards recovery.
2. Stick To Your Normal Routine :
As previously discussed, humans are inherently social beings and tend to be creatures of habit. Consequently, there is often a natural inclination to resist changes to our familiar routines. It is therefore recommended that individuals maintain their pre-quarantine schedules to the best of their abilities. While working from home may seem conducive to relaxing, this approach can in fact prove counterproductive. As such, it is advisable to avoid deviating from established routines to ensure maximum efficiency and effectiveness in one’s work.
3. Stop Watching Coronavirus News :
It has previously been noted that human beings are social creatures and creatures of habit, which makes it difficult for individuals to adjust to new changes in their daily schedule. Therefore, it is recommended that you adhere to your regular routine as closely as possible during these unprecedented times. Although working from home may lead to a more relaxed environment, it may negatively impact productivity, and it is therefore advisable to avoid distractions and maintain your regular routine to ensure effectiveness and efficiency in your output.
4. Keep Your House Clean :
Amidst the current global uncertainty, maintaining a well-organized home can bring a sense of peace and calm. It can be exhausting to live in a household that is constantly in a state of disarray. Therefore, we recommend keeping your living space clean, tidy and clutter-free. Avoid eating in bed or working in non-designated areas such as the sofa. Instead, we suggest utilizing dedicated spots in your house for these activities. A well-maintained home not only improves physical health, it also has a positive impact on mental well-being.
5. Start A New Ritual :
As we are currently under lockdown, finding new ways to cope with our time at home is essential. A recommendation that may help is creating a daily ritual to replace our regular routines. These rituals can range from connecting with old friends or family to immersing ourselves in a new web series. Whatever the activity may be, dedicating an hour to it can provide necessary engagement and structure during uncertain times. Additionally, it’s important to maintain a clean and organized living space. Avoiding eating in bed or working in comfortable attire on the sofa reinforces a separation between our recreational and professional lives. Instead, utilizing designated spots in the home for these activities can help us stay motivated and productive.
6. Connect With New People :
The internet is undoubtedly a valuable resource that enables us to accomplish so much in contemporary times. One of its most significant benefits is the ability to establish new connections. With the majority of individuals spending their time in lockdown, the more open and accessible people become in terms of communicating online. You can engage with new acquaintances and engage in lengthy discussions, learning from their perspectives and sharing experiences. Furthermore, the potential to discover your perfect match is a possibility, should you wish to explore such opportunities.
7. Meditate As Much As You Can :
Numerous studies have been conducted on meditation, consistently demonstrating its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Given the present climate of uncertainty, adopting a calm and centered approach can be invaluable. If you find it challenging to meditate, it may be helpful to begin by focusing on slow, deliberate breathing, which can facilitate a greater sense of ease and reduce feelings of anxiety.
8. Engage In Feel-good Activities :
We acknowledge that this practice may seem somewhat ambiguous. However, the concept behind it is to engage in amusing activities that evoke a sense of nostalgia, such as watching classic movies or rekindling friendships with old acquaintances. By doing so, you can experience a boost in your overall mood and alleviate any stress or anxiety within your mind. Therefore, it is advised to include any activity that brings joy to your daily routine.
9. Live The Present :
During the coronavirus lockdown, it is understandable that many people may feel worried about uncertainties such as job loss and financial issues. However, it is important to remember that this is a challenge that affects everyone, and you are not alone in facing these difficulties. It is also important to have faith in the government’s efforts to provide assistance to those in need. Rather than worrying excessively about the future, focusing on self-care practices can be beneficial for maintaining mental health during this time. Here are some helpful practices to consider implementing during the lockdown.