Tips for Optimal Mental Health During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic is likely a cause of stress for most people. The fear and uncertainty associated with a serious disease and how it could impact us or those close to us can be overwhelming. Following public health mandates like social distancing and wearing a mask can ease some of the anxiety you may be feeling because of the pandemic. It is also helpful to make an effort to improve and preserve your mental health during this time so you can protect yourself and your family.

Get a Good Night's Sleep

Sleep is directly connected to your mental health. That is why it is crucial that you get a great night's sleep as often as possible. Make sure your room is cool and dark before you go to bed. The low temperature and lack of light can relax your mind and body and make it easier to fall asleep. You should also use an essential air diffuser in your room. Lavender and chamomile oils promote tranquility and can help you stay asleep longer. You can also purchase a white noise machine for your room to encourage your body into restful sleep.

Meditate and Exercise

It is very important that you keep your body and mind active so you can balance your emotions and avoid the health issues and weight gain that often come with depression and anxiety. Take a few minutes each day to meditate in the morning so you can set the emotional tone for your day. Focus on your breathing and view yourself getting rid of all the negative thoughts in your mind after acknowledging them and choosing to welcome positivity and gratitude into your mind. You can also meditate in the evenings before bed to soothe your mind and promote a restful night's sleep.

You should also make sure you are physically active during the pandemic. Start small by taking a walk after dinner or jogging for about 15 minutes before work in the morning. As your body gets used to regular movement, you may want to engage in more intense workouts that include weightlifting, bike riding, and water aerobics. Exercising regularly can release endorphins in your body to improve your mood and sense of well-being. Working out can also help you keep unwanted pounds at bay.

Go to Therapy

Even if you feel "fine" most days, counseling can help you sort through your emotions and get the clarity you need on days when you’re especially sad or irritable. It is important to address any mental health problems you are feeling in the beginning so that you can get to feeling your best as soon as possible. Experts who provide counseling in Alpharetta GA state that therapy is “about finding sustainable ways to heal from the challenges and wounds of your life so you can move forward differently.” Consider meeting with a professional who can help you come to terms with your feelings and help you move forward from past trauma. During your session, you may engage in activities like writing in a journal or creating artwork to express yourself in order to keep your depression and anxiety at bay. Your therapist will help you decide why you feel the way you do and give you a plan of action to handle your feelings in a healthy way.

The pandemic may also prompt you to start engaging in unhealthy habits as a coping mechanism. If you stopped smoking or drinking years ago and find that the temptation to indulge in these things again is stronger than before, talk to your therapist about ways to conquer these cravings. You may even be referred to a physician who can help you with a smoking cessation program or offer support groups that will keep you from abusing alcohol.

Eat a Balanced Diet

One practical way you can keep your mental health intact during the pandemic is to eat a healthy, balanced diet. Fresh fruits and vegetables are filled with nutrients and antioxidants to boost the immune system, slow the aging process, and give you more energy. Eating fatty fish like salmon and tuna can also help improve your mental health, since these foods are high in omega-3 fatty acids. If you already suffer from anxiety and depression, you may want to stay away from foods that are high in sugar and alcohol. These ingredients can dehydrate the body and make you extremely jittery before you "crash" and become extremely tired.

These tips are beneficial during the COVID-19 pandemic, but you can also use these suggestions to improve your health once the health crisis is over to keep looking and feeling your best. Your physical and mental health is of the utmost importance and should be treated as such.