Everyone stresses in different ways during hard times. The stress and panic everyone is dealing with right now due to the COVID-19 crisis is no different. But, it is really important to keep your mental health in check during times like this. Social isolation can take a toll on healthy individuals who have never experienced mental illness symptoms first hand before. So, I’m here to give some tips and advice on how to maintain a self care routine during this stressful time.

1. Maintain a Regular Sleep Routine

It’s difficult to stay on a normal daily schedule if your sleep schedule is all out of wack. I know you want to binge watch that new Netflix show now that you finally have the time. But go to sleep! This is an essential part of your mental health and all of the other activities in this blog will be impossible if this first step is skipped. For more info on how to ensure restful sleep, visit my other blog here.

2. Do Physical Activity When You Can

I know.. the gym’s closing down makes this a lot harder. But, there are a lot of fitness programs offering FREE videos of their at-home workout routines right now (for more info on this click here) specifically because staying active is really important for your mental health. It’s going to be extremely difficult maintaining a normal sleep routine if you do not do any physical activity all day. So do some crunches, go for a run (or walk) by yourself or break out that Zumba video that’s been collecting dust in the closet!

3. Wake Up With a Purpose

It’s really easy to be lazy when all you have to do is stay at home. But, forcing yourself to wake up and do something with yourself can be really beneficial to your mental health. So, get up, brush your teeth and take a shower before heading to the living room. It’ll make you feel much better. It will also help with motivation for those of us that just began the transition to working/schooling from home.

4. Maintain a Sense of Community

A lot of people struggling with anxiety and depression believe that because they prefer to be alone means that isolation would be heaven! But, that’s typically not the case. After a few days without human interaction, these illnesses can get much worse. Make an effort to stay in contact with friends and family. Set a reminder to call or FaceTime someone at least once a day just to chat for a little bit.

5. Stick to a Schedule

The most challenging part about being alone for a long period of time is having no schedule you have to stick to. Experts recommend making a schedule for yourself each day and write it out to hold yourself accountable. Set an alarm every morning rather than sleeping in, go for a run, make breakfast, complete a household chore, do a puzzle, etc.

6. Keep Your Mind Busy

While your out doing your “dooms day” shopping this week, make sure to pick up some cheap activities to do at home. Art supplies like paints, markers, colored pencils and a sketchpad. Or, some board games to play as a family. Get stuff to make your favorite meals and even bake desserts you have not had the time to make in a while. It’s important to remember that you can use this time as a way to grow closer to your significant other, family or roommate during this time. View it as a blessing in disguise and make every moment count.

7. Remember You Are Not Alone

A lot of struggles with anxiety and depression come from feeling as if no one understands the sadness or panic you are experiencing. Please remember that you are not alone during this chaotic time. The entire nation is confused, panicked and alone. A lot of mental health professionals across the country are offering online video or phone sessions so individuals can still find help from the safety of their own home. RPC is proud to confirm we are one of those providers. Please contact our office with any questions about our tele-medicine services.

For more info on how to take care of yourself during the COVID-19 pandemic please visit:

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-deal-with-a-quarantine-if-youre-struggling-emoti-1842139296

https://readynutrition.com/resources/50-things-to-do-during-home-quarantine_05102014/

Sydney graduated from John Glenn High School in 2017. She is currently working towards a bachelors degree, dual majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice at Muskingum University. She plans to further her education by completing a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Sydney is an active member on her campus. She is a member of the Chi Alpha Nu sorority where she must maintain a 3.0 GPA and 10 community service hours a semester. She is also a member of the Psychology club, Criminal Justice club. Sydney is honored to be able to be a part of this team and gain experience in the mental health field at a young age.