9 Key Strategies to Manage Mental Health During Covid-19
- Know and minimise triggers – Recognise and where possible minimise exposure to triggers. For example, watching and reading too much Covid-19 news was a trigger for me, that resulted in escalating my stress and anxiety. So I now take deliberate breaks from the news.
- Stay present – Stress and anxiety is often exacerbated by our thoughts pondering all the future ‘what if’s’. Try and ground yourself in the present moment on what you know ‘for sure’.
- Keep connected – Interacting with others boosts feelings of well-being and gives us a sense of community. Further, isolation and loneliness can raise our stress levels.
- Be compassionate to yourself and others – Everybody is going through something right now and it is okay to not be as productive or creative as you could be. It is okay not being at your best in this moment, it is okay not to be okay. We are all going through a significant life event. Be forgiving to yourself and others.
- Maintain a routine – There are psychological benefits to keeping a routine. Keeping a routine has been associated with improved sleep cycles and enhanced mental health.
- Exercise regularly – The benefits of exercise are well documented. Specifically, the release of those feel-good endorphins. If you can go for a walk or run outside you will always get the benefits of sunlight, if not you try and do some form of exercise at home.
- Proactively practice self-care – self-care should be a part of your daily routine. There are a multitude of practices that you can explore that recharge you, give you energy and make you feel good. Such as mediation, yoga, exercise, writing, reading, or listening to music. Visit my previous article for more self-care tips.
- Get enough sleep – Sleep and mental health are closely connected. It is important to practice good “sleep hygiene” such as maintaining a regular sleep-and-wake schedule. Be consistent, try going to bed at the same time each night and get up at the same time each morning.
- Know when to ask for help – if you are struggling please reach out and connect with a friend or services available in your community. We are all in this together.
the psych view by SAM MARCHETTA 