The following six steps will help you to maintain your mental health during the pandemic.
- Make your life as predictable as possible. Create a daily schedule and live by it. Make plans. Plan your calendar. What are you looking forward to? Get up and get showered every day. Maintain your regular sleep schedule.
- Stay in contact with your friends and family. We all need to be seen and heard. Use apps like Facetime or Skype to make visual connections with others.
- Get active! It is essential to move your body. Movement will help create a sense of agency and increase you ability to regulate your mood. Get some fresh air.
- Take intentional steps to engage your mind. It is natural to go “numb” during times of crisis. Learn something new or develop an existing skill. Seize the opportunity to organize your closets or toolbox. Make a list of 10 things you are thankful for.
- Create as much safety for yourself as possible by establishing safe practices to live by.
- Remember who you are. Engage in activities that generate feelings of self-respect and dignity. Maintain your identity.