Taking Care of Your Mental Health
I am a little surprised it has taken me this long to put together a post about mental health. As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, there is no question that there will be a lot of change and uncertainty. Many of us have been busy adjusting to our ‘new normal’. We are working from home, managing a household, keeping up with kids schoolwork, and missing our family and friends. Maybe you are thriving right now and in your element. Maybe this is all triggering some unwanted anxiety. It is so important to take care of your mental health during this crisis, and to do it now. As time goes on, those anxious feelings may start to creep up, and today I want to talk about how we can stay on top of it.
If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am very candid about my mental health history. Specifically, my struggles with anxiety and panic. Here are just a few things that have been working for me or helped me in the past…
TAKE A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
It is no secret that I appreciate a good social media detox. Last week, when COVID 19 started to rear it’s ugly head in New York, I found myself unfollowing/muting every single person on Instagram or Facebook that was not taking it seriously, or making uneducated assumptions. As a medical professional, this was driving me insane. After a few days, I decided you know what? I am just going to take a break from this. Out of sight, Out of mind. The second I deleted Facebook and Instagram, I felt 15 pounds lighter. If you are someone who is triggered by the actions of others, or you find yourself playing the comparison game with people you follow on social media, I highly suggest giving yourself a break. Keep yourself informed with credible resources, like CDC.gov
STAY IN TOUCH
Isolation is not natural for human beings, so it is OK if it makes you feel uneasy. Practicing social distancing doesn’t mean you have to cut off all communication with family and friends. Call your loved ones daily to check in. JD and I have been using FaceTime, Google Hangouts and Zoom.us to scheduled ‘virtual happy hours’ with our friends and family. My book club is meeting virtually next week. These are great tools for mimicking face to face interactions, not the mention they are super fun! Last week, my sister-in-law was able to ‘attend’ a wedding that was cancelled because the family set up a FaceTime call and streamed the ceremony! So cool! So if there is a social obligation you are sad about missing, see if it can be done virtually!
GET SOME FRESH AIR
Again, social distancing doesn’t mean you have to stay inside and not come out for 14 days. One thing I have learned over the years is how powerful fresh air and sunshine can be for my overall mental health. Now that JD and I are primarily working from home, we are prioritizing twice daily walks outdoors with our dog. It is a great way to break up the work day, get our bodies moving, and practice social distancing outside the home. Go for a run, walk, read a book in the backyard, visit a nature trail, or go on a family hike. There is still a lot of opportunity to leave the home, without having to worry about coming in contact with others!
NOURISH AND MOVE YOUR BODY
Eat healthy and exercise. Easier said than done right? I’m not saying you need to deprive yourself from treats, or that you don’t have an excuse to be lazy. I’m right there with you. I ate a whole pizza by myself AND binge watched All American on Netflix yesterday. During the weekdays especially, I try to drink 2-3L of water and incorporate as many fruits and vegetables as I can into my meals.
Many workout apps are offering extended free trials during the coronavirus pandemic. This is a GREAT way to try out an app that you have been hesitant to pay for in the past. Personally, we are using the Peloton app and bike at least 3 days per week. You don’t have to have the bike to use the app and they are offering a free 90 day trial to new members! In addition to cycling, they offer outdoor/indoor cardio programs, yoga, strength classes, meditation, bootcamps and more! JD and I made a goal of trying a yoga class this week.
THERAPY
If you are seeing a therapist to help manage your mental health, I highly suggest continuing to do so. Many providers are offering telemedicine as a way to continue to provide care and services to their patients. You can speak to your therapist through the phone or video conference, while in safe in your home. Reach out to yours to see if this option is available to you.
REDISCOVER AN OLD HOBBY
There is not much that is good about coronavirus, but one thing it has done is forced us all to slow down. Is there a hobby or activity that you have forgotten about because everyday life became too busy? Now is the time to rediscover it! We may be limited to activities that are mostly indoors, but is still a lot of opportunity. Read a book, finish a puzzle, COLOR, tackle a home project, knit, journal, paint, or even make time to try something new!
STAY ON SCHEDULE
If you are a person who thrives on a routine, keep it going! Things will certainly look different while you are home, but there are many things that can stay the same. Wake up for work the same time you would if you were going into the office. Shower and dress for the day, not in pajamas! Go to bed at the same time each night. Missing your favorite workout class because the studio is closed? Work out at home during the scheduled class time. These things may seem small and trivial, but they can make a huge difference in how you feel throughout the day!
Don’t forget to also make time for gratitude and joy. It is easy to be negative in the midst of chaos, but we all have something to be thankful for. It could be as simple as a quiet afternoon and a cup of coffee. If you catch yourself spiraling, take a moment and pause, remind yourself of one thing you are grateful for in that moment.
Also, don’t forget to check in on your family and friends. Especially those on the front line of this pandemic, those who live alone, or that you know may be struggling with their own mental health. We have to take care of ourselves, and each other.
Stay well, my friends.
xo, Kristen
