Taking Care of your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Taking Care of your Mental Health During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By Rowana Abbensetts

During this time of global pandemic, there are a lot of voices out there giving us data, projections, regulations, and precautions aimed at keeping us safe and well. I’m grateful for the scientists, doctors, nurses, and all essential workers who are putting their lives on the line to help others in their time of need. At this point, we are all well-educated on how to stop the spread of coronavirus. Now, I want to talk about how we can take care of ourselves through the day to day uncertainties of quarantine. The mental health crisis that was happening in this country even before COVID19 is worsening significantly now. With so many people stricken with grief, losing their jobs, and uncertain about how they will provide for themselves and their families in the future, we must be more vigilant than ever when it comes to caring for our mental health. This is especially true for people of color, who make up a large percentage of essential workers or have been severely impacted by the financial downturn. These are the times when people turn to addiction, violence, and self-harm. Community care is more important than ever, so I want to share my tips for taking care of your mental health during this global pandemic. 

Socially Distant, Spiritually Lifted

Even though we have to be apart right now, use this as an opportunity to reflect on universal oneness. We were never really separate. How can you support what you love right now, as opposed to paying attention to fear?

Connect with family through the phone and technology. Big occasions don’t have to pass you by. From regular chats with loved ones to virtual birthday parties, it’s still possible to enjoy your family and friends from afar.

Find an uplifting or inspirational book to read. Here’s a list of books our community members are reading right now.

Tune in to the right frequency – sound healing videos on YouTube (here’s my favorite) or a personalized playlist that puts you in a good mood. For bonus points have a solo dance party! It’s a great way to get your body moving while lifting your mood. For me my dancehall/ reggae playlist gets me wining up every time!

Avoid Information Overload

Get your news once a day from a trusted, non-sensationalized source.

Limit social media intake. Social media is proven to have a negative impact on mental health. The world is experiencing collective trauma right now and that energy is being translated via social media. Protect your peace!

Exercise your boundaries – Don’t want to talk about the virus right now? Let people know in a gentle, but firm manner. It’s okay to not want to talk about it sometimes.

Self-Care is Top Priority

Protecting our health was always a top priority, but now more than ever, self-care is a must.

Pay attention to your eating habits – not just what you are eating, but when, how much, and how it makes you feel. For example, I tend to feel sluggish if I eat a big meal late at night. I feel energized after I have a spinach and mango smoothie, both because the ingredients give me an immune system and energy boost, but also because I feel good about my choice, which elevates my mood. 

Use your journal to dump mental overflow. There’s bound to be a lot on your mind right now. Pick up your journal and release some of the noise on the page.

Make sure you are getting adequate rest. Most medical advice recommends 6-8 hours of sleep for adults. A sleep journal can help you keep track of your sleep patterns.

Create an at-home exercise routine (grab a yoga mat real quick). It’s easy to catch a virtual workout class from hip-hop dance to pilates, all online!

Confidential & Compassionate

If you already have a therapist, this is the time to keep in touch with them about your mental health. Resist the urge to isolate or ignore your mental health. If you don’t have a therapist, many are offering virtual services right now. E-counseling.com offers a directory of mental health providers in your area.

Remember that one approach doesn’t necessarily fit everyone. Some of us may not wish to be in therapy or are looking for something different. I recommend you seek different types of holistic healers (spiritual advisors, support groups, reiki, etc.). When it comes to mental health, emotional health, physical and spiritual health also come into play. Allow yourself to investigate various paths to healing.

Remember to Breathe

Breathing exercises are a game-changer for anyone feeling anxiety right now. Take a deep breath, filling up your belly with air, hold for four seconds, and then release. It can help to visualize yourself breathing in tranquility and breathing out fear and anxiety.

Deep breathing is the perfect way to start a meditation session. If you are not familiar with meditation, I have a more detailed post here. What’s more important is your intention to be still and look inward. 

Mindfulness is Everything

Get in the habit of snapping into the present moment. Create a list of items, smells, and words that remind you to be present. These are called “mindful moments” and they are a great way to reduce anxiety throughout the day. 

Take Time to Grieve

Be gentle with yourself. If you have lost anyone during this pandemic, the grief can be compounded by difficult circumstances, such as not being able to visit your loved one in the hospital or have a traditional funeral. Give yourself time to heal with the tips above.

There’s no one right way to cope with this pandemic. Although there are many suggestions on the internet (such as this blog post), there is no such thing as doing self-care “right” or a “wrong” way to spend your time in quarantine. This is a time to look deeper into yourself and honor what feels good for you. Treat yourself with the gentleness that you would give a puppy or a child. You deserve the same level of tenderness and attention. 

Disclaimer I am a writer, publisher & mental health advocate and not a licensed mental health professional. If you want to get in touch with a professional see the link above.

How are you taking care of your mental health during quarantine? Comment below or @ us on Twitter with your suggestions.