As humans, we have a natural inclination towards socialization and togetherness. Unfortunately, the pandemic has forced us to do the exact opposite — isolate and avoid in-person socialization.
When the coronavirus pandemic first began, no one knew how long we’d have to isolate. Now we’re nearly six months in, and the outlook hasn’t much improved.
Has isolation taken its toll on your mental health? After months of being alone, you may find yourself feeling depressed. Fortunately, you aren’t alone, and there are simple self-care tips that you can use to feel a little bit better right away.
1. Take a Break From the News
It’s natural to want to know what is going on in the world. It’s important to stay up to date on current events; after a certain point, however, you may be doing more harm than good by refreshing your news page. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by reading about coronavirus-related news, take a step back. Taking a break for the night or even for a full day will not throw you out of the loop. Instead, it will give you a much-needed break to focus on more positive things.
2. Order In From Your Favorite Restaurant
Though many restaurants have opened back up for dine-in, you may still feel wary about it. However, cooking at home for every meal can get monotonous, so ordering take out is a great compromise. Not only will you enjoy your meal, but you’ll also help your favorite restaurant during this difficult time!
3. Video Chat with Family or Friends
Just because you can’t see people in person doesn’t mean that you can’t see them at all. With the help of technology, we can stay connected with our loved ones easily. If you’ve been feeling depressed and isolated, consider setting up a video chat or phone call with some friends or family. You can even organize a virtual book club, game night, or wine night. By socializing, you’ll feel a little less isolated and much more connected to your loved ones.
4. Try Yoga or Meditation
Yoga and meditation are both great options to help you relax, unwind, and check-in with yourself. If your depression is getting worse, consider trying out a new yoga video or meditation routine. You’ll likely feel much more refreshed, relaxed, and at peace afterward.
5. Take Up a New Hobby
Depression can make it hard to start new hobbies or feel motivated to do them. However, if you do find the strength and motivation, you may find something you enjoy. You may even be able to expand your horizons and find online groups or forums of people who also enjoy your hobby.
6. Use Social Media Sparingly
One of the best things you can do for your mental health is finding a good balance with social media. Social media is a great way to stay connected with other people right now. However, it can also worsen your loneliness and depression. If social media is helping you stay connected, enjoy it. If it gets overwhelming, don’t hesitate to log off and take a step back for a while.
7. Spend an Evening Doing Things You Love
Staying at home can become monotonous and isolating, but there are fun, comforting things you can do for yourself. Put on your favorite movie, enjoy a hot bath, put on your favorite music, or make your favorite meal. These simple and little pleasures will remind you that you deserve to enjoy your life and that better days will come soon enough.
If isolation has exacerbated your depression, remember that you aren’t truly alone. There are resources available to help you through this time and the simple tips on this list can serve as quick ways to boost your morale. However, don’t be afraid to seek out professional help for your depression — the sooner you seek depression treatment the easier it’ll be to work towards a happier life. I’m here to help reach out soon for a consultation.
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