If you’ve been spending a lot of time at home and reading the news often, you may be wondering about the covid19 health impact. After all, ever since the outbreak was declared to be a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, the world has been dealing with unexpected circumstances that can put a strain on anyone’s mental health. If you’ve been feeling less than stellar lately, it’s important to know that you’re not alone and that there are things you can do to help your mental health improve bit by bit each day. To find out more about the top four ways you can start working on taking care of yourself today, keep reading.
1. Exercise Regularly
This tip is straightforward to implement and can make a big difference in your mood, self-perception and overall health. It might seem counterintuitive at first, but studies have shown that physical exercise can actually have not only physical, but mental health benefits as well! Since it’s important to get at least a half hour of moderate exercise a day, the trick is finding a workout you actually enjoy. Simple home workouts, like bodyweight exercises or jumping rope, could be a good place to start.
2. Try Meditation
The practices of meditation and mindfulness have become more popular in recent years, and for good reason. Taking the time out of a busy day to simply rest your mind and meditate is helpful for a whole host of mental health issues, from depression to anxiety. It may also help you focus better, as you train yourself to ignore distracting thoughts. If you’ve been feeling like you could use a mental time-out, consider giving meditation a try!
3. Minimize Social Media Time
While it can provide entertainment and connection to others, social media can sometimes be a double-edged sword. While maintaining positive social relationships is generally linked to good mental health, social networking can produce adverse effects because it sometimes results in comparing yourself unfavorably to others. A good trick is to allow yourself a set amount of time each day to check your social media profiles and connect with friends, but to not go beyond that and end up spending hours scrolling. Your self-confidence – and eyesight! – will thank you.
4. Seek Professional Help
Sometimes trying to go it alone simply isn’t the best option for you, and it’s always okay to ask for help. If you’ve been struggling, try seeking the advice of a professional therapist. Therapy can be helpful on many levels, from exploring your feelings to figuring out strategic ways to address them. Many therapists today offer virtual consultations, making it even easier for you to see a professional. It takes a village – don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it!
While challenging times can be tough on everyone’s mental health, you’re not alone. There are ways to overcome and to work on your mental health a little bit each day, all from the comfort of your own home. By incorporating these four tips, you can work your way to a better you – for now and for years to come.