Nobody knows how this week is going to go, but it is undeniably a stressful time for all of us. It is hard to take care of ourselves in times like this, but we still have to. Here are five simple things you can do this week for yourself and your mental health.
- Turn off your phone
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One of the best things you can do for yourself is unplug. Turn your phone off for an hour and do something mindless, perhaps one of the other things on this list.
- Watch a TV show/movie
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I have found that the best way to distract myself is by watching something, whether it be a tv show or a movie. When I’m stressed and need a distraction to take my mind off of things, I prefer to watch something I’ve already watched. If I’m watching something for the first time, I tend to get overly invested and will get anxiety over the uncertainty of how it will end. Some of the shows/movies I’ve rewatched countless times include: Friends, Clueless and Pete Davidson: Live from New York.
- Do a face mask
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A face mask is a quick and easy thing that you can do for yourself. While your mask sits you can do something else for yourself like read a book or journal.
- Journal
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Take all of the thoughts going through your head and write them down on paper. It sounds cheesy but something about off-loading your thoughts onto something (not someone) really helps.
- Call a friend to catch up
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It can be difficult to think or talk about anything other than politics right now, but try calling a friend to catch up on each other’s lives. Talk about school, work, friends, family, the book you’ve been reading, your hopes and dreams – try not to mention politics as it’s probably one of your stressors at the moment.
Hopefully these five things will help you take some time for yourself this week, even if it’s just thirty minutes. Please take care of yourself.