These days have been pretty darn difficult. Whatever social media platform you open, there’s only one topic being talked about. When you are being bombarded with bad news and sad stories, it can take a toll on your mental and emotional health.
It’s important to keep yourself sane and healthy during a month-long quarantine—and yes, that includes your mind, too. So even if everyday is a struggle, you’re doing small steps to emerge from this crisis stable and in check.
If you’ve been feeling worried, restless, and down, here’s a few simple things you can do at home to put your mind at ease:
Limit your news and social media consumption
The World Health Organization recommends to lessen your news consumption everyday if it gives you stress or anxiety.
Even though it’s important to keep up with the latest updates, give yourself a maximum dose of two times a day to look at social media and then get off from the news radar. You can also opt to mute words or topics that can be triggering to you, and just have a break from it all. It’s okay.
Simple meditation
Meditation doesn’t have to be religious or ritualistic. It can be as simple as breathing and focusing on your surroundings. Deep breathing exercises for 10 minutes a day can actually help, according to Ateneo Bulatao Center for Psychological Services.
Deep breaths can be reliable in grounding yourself to the present and away from negative thoughts. Sit up straight, close your eyes, and breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds and exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds. Make your belly expand and constrict as you do so but remember to ease your muscles. Do this for 10-15 minutes a day whenever you feel you’re going on a downward spiral.
Distract yourself
What do you love doing? It doesn’t have to be something big or important. It can be doodling, reading, or doing your makeup. According to the Psychological Association of the Philippines, you can do your hobbies to divert your mind from a rabbit hole of dark thoughts.
Try to make time to focus on things you enjoy doing, as long as it’s something you can do safely inside your home. Who knows, you might come out of this quarantine with a honed skill!
Keep in touch with loved ones
According to the CDC, it’s important to stay connected to your close friends and family. Times like this, we have to solidify our support system. Physical social distancing is important but as humans, our social needs still have to be fostered.
Check on your friends, co-workers or classmates! Communicate with them and cheer each other up. You can even exchange quarantine stories or send a random meme to share a laugh. Don’t be afraid to reach out.
Rest and recharge
Take naps. Or if your idea of resting is exercising or stretching, do as you please. But studies show that getting enough sleep aids in boosting your immune system so you’re actually stronger against diseases if you get enough sleep.
Self-care is a priority when you’re stuck indoors. So take a warm bath, light some calming scented candles, and get under your sheets. Recharge your mind and body so you can come out of this well-rested and healthier than ever.
