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Wellness > Mental Health

Pandemic State of Mind: How to Take Care of Your Mental Health

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

Fall has officially started, which also means it is back-to-school season. And this year’s back-to-school is completely new and different to everyone as going to school virtually and staying at home has become the new normal. Since there is so much going on in the world today, mental health is more important than ever. Our brains become so preoccupied with adjusting to this new way of living, that we tend to push the topic of mental wellness into the back of our minds and forget about it. Without taking care of ourselves and our mental health, we’ll never be able to reach our full potential and achieve our goals. Similar to the engine of a car, we might experience breakdowns and burnouts without proper care and daily maintenance. To go full speed ahead, we have to keep in mind the importance of taking care of our mental wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to better take care of your mental health during these difficult times:

Woman in front of laptop with mask on
Photo by Edward Jenner from Pexels

Set Up a Daily Routine

At uncertain times like these, setting up a daily routine benefits your mental health in the best way possible. Many people are struggling to stay productive and motivated in the comfort of your own home, which can be overwhelming and frustrating. Having a daily routine provides structure to your day, you’ll feel accomplished after each step in your routine. This will help you manage your tasks while reducing stress or anxiety. You can also set up your daily routines based on your daily habits, hobbies, and goals, allowing you to fulfill your goals while achieving maximum productivity. Remember to always include time for self-care and relaxation time in your daily routine, giving yourself time to breathe and check in with your mental state.

Journaling

If you are on the lookout for a new hobby or to strengthen your mental wellbeing, I recommend you to try out journaling. Journaling is a simple and versatile hobby that only requires a notebook and a pen. You get to decide what, when and where to journal, allowing you to feel a sense of control over an aspect of your life. Your journal becomes your safe place, where you can be vulnerable and self-reflect. Writing about your emotions and thoughts boosts your mental health as you’ll gain a better understanding of yourself while releasing all your negative emotions. Journaling has become a significant part of many people’s lives that helps them to manage their emotions. Give it a try, it might change your life. 

Take a Walk Outside

There is this saying that goes “less is more.” Similarly, taking a walk might sound simple but it could be one of the most effective methods for improving mental health. Being so busy with school and work, you probably sit at home and look at a screen for hours and hours. Taking a walk outside is a form of self-care that lets your mind rest from all the chaos, it is also the perfect opportunity to breathe in some fresh air and exercise. Whether you take a walk alone or with other people, the ultimate goal is to create a calming environment to recharge your mind to improve your overall mood and set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Consider taking ten to fifteen minutes of your day to take a walk. You might find yourself enjoying it and discover its benefits for your mental health. 

Elbow tap
Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels
This global pandemic is mentally and physically difficult for many people, especially having to adjust to new lifestyles and encounter new challenges. It is very easy to neglect your mental health, but practicing these simple yet effective tips will guide you into building a stronger mental health and live a happier, more productive life. 

Iris Au

UCD '22

Iris is studying Communications and Economics at the University of California, Davis. She is currently a senior and is a big fan of cheesy rom-coms and cooking shows. She hopes to pursue a future career in public relations or marketing after graduating college.
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