Now more than ever, it is important to maintain a healthy mindset. It’s September. In-person school has been cancelled for many of us since the spring and our online classes just started a few weeks ago. Many of us are feeling stressed, anxious, socially deprived, and even a little sad because of everything going on in the world. Because of this, I have comprised a list of things that you can do to keep yourself busy and to look after your emotional well-being during this uncertain time.
Self Care
Practicing self care is one of the most significant things that we can do to manage stress and to maintain a healthy relationship with ourselves. Make sure that you are taking breaks, nurturing your body, and taking care of your overall health.
– At home spa day (do your nails, take a long bath, use a face mask)
– Exercise (I suggest Chloe Ting)
– Sleep (at least eight hours is essential to feel good inside and out)
Talk about your feelings
You may need someone to listen to you or talk to you when you’re feeling stressed or sad. Venting is a perfectly healthy way to destress. According to Lifehack.org, verbalizing your pain and speaking it out loud will prevent you from digging yourself into an inescapable hole of bad emotions.
– Journaling (a friend of mine suggested that whenever I’m feeling extra sad and don’t feel comfortable talking to anyone, I can use journaling to express my feelings)
– Talking to someone (Hampton has a number of resources)
*If you’re feeling suicidal or may hurt yourself, please seek professional help, school resources, parents or a doctor.
Find a new hobby
According to HeadHealth.gov.au, finding a new hobby that you enjoy can help your emotional wellbeing. Individuals that have hobbies are shown to suffer less from depression and low moods. And because of COVID-19, we have plenty of time to find new passions! You can:
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Learn to draw
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Make some tik-toks
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Find a new academic interest
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Play video games
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Watch a new show on Netflix
Change of scenery
TalkSpace.com says that our physical environment can greatly impact our emotional health. Being in a dark room can make you sad, not making your bed can make you feel down when you walk into your bedroom, and constant loud noises can make people uncomfortable. To help combat this:
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Keep your space clean and clutter free (especially your work space)
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Stay in well lit areas
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Switch the room you’re in every few days (if you usually work in your office, move to the living room)
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Follow this guide on how to improve your mood by fixing your physical environment
This is a hard time for all of us. We have missed out on events we were looking forward to, our loved ones may be sick, and COVID may have even interfered with jobs and internships that we worked all year to get. In the midst of such a confusing time, it is vital that you take care of yourself and remember that this will not last forever. We are all in this together.
Sources
Myrin, Emily. “15 Self-Care Ideas for When You’re Feeling Down.” Lifehack, Lifehack, 2 Dec. 2015, www.lifehack.org/334800/15-self-care-ideas-for-when-youre-feeling-down.
“Purposeful Activity – Hobbies.” Head to Health, headtohealth.gov.au/meaningful-life/purposeful-activity/hobbies.
Wiebe, byJamie, et al. “What Role Does Physical Environment Play in Your Mental Health?” Talkspace, 5 June 2019, www.talkspace.com/blog/physical-environment-mental-health/.