Self-Care & Mental Health Tips in 2021 to Manage During Covid Times
It’s been well over a year since the “new norm” — and individuals are ready to return to what it was before it all started. But there is also a certain fear to go back outside, as there are still too many questions unanswered. These days (and the future) seem unpredictable, so how do you practice self-care during Covid-19 times?
Avoid Catching Covid
The most basic way to practice self-care during quarantine and covid-19 times is to take all the necessary precautions outlined by the CDC.
Covid-19 Safety Measures Include:
Frequently washing your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
Properly wearing a snugly-fitting face mask
Following the 6ft. social distancing protocols
Nothing could feel worse for your morale (and body!) than getting sick, so you really want to take the safety steps to stay as physically healthy as possible.
What about Covid-19 and My Mental Health?
The truth is that even if you are following the safety measures (and especially if you haven’t left home in a while), your mental and emotional health may suffer. After all, these are unprecedented times. Coronavirus has detonated the biggest global health crisis our country and world has seen in a long time. That’ll surely take a toll on anyone’s wellbeing.
Although cases of conditions like depression and anxiety have increased since the pandemic began, there is also great opportunity to resort to different ways to care for ourselves and others.
More Human Than Ever During Covid-19
Happy News for Mental Health
During Covid-19 times, people have experienced great signs of solidarity from strangers that may not have happened otherwise.
Examples of these acts of love are unexpected gifts and food baskets, as well as young adults who have delivered groceries to the eldery in a safe, designated location at their homes.
For instance, the article “Signs of the times: messages of hope, solidarity spring up around London” by CBC Canada showcases countless signs (literally!) of hope and resilience displayed by businesses, schools, churches, etc. that really show the depths of the human connection we all share.
Self-Care Tips During Coronavirus in 2021
Self-care is caring for others too. By staying as healthy as possible, physically and mentally, we will be able to better keep ourselves and each other safer.
Mayo Clinic recommends the following to have a healthy immune system:
Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet
Drinking plenty of water
Exercising daily
Sleeping 7-8 hours each night
Avoiding risky behaviors, such as drug or alcohol abuse or ignoring public health recommendations
Spending time outside, preferably in nature (following the distance and safety measures)
Physical activity can help your overall well-being, which in turn can help your mindset and mood.
The same article by Mayo Clinic recommends certain steps for mental wellness:
Setting and maintaining a routine at home
Using technology to stay connected to your loved ones
Being grateful for today
Limiting your exposure to Coronavirus news (or sometimes any news, at least for a while!)
Helping and serving others —if you’re able to
Or, asking for help if you need it yourself!
The post from Everyday Health, Self-Care Tips During the Coronavirus Pandemic emphasizes the importance of engaging in enjoyable practices that promote your “physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental health.”
They also highlight that a proper sleep schedule is one of the best things that we can do for our health. This allows our bodies to better fight off infections.
Other recommendations include: intuitive eating or finding different things to do during quarantine, like trying new workouts or taking up a new hobby.
Stress Management During Covid-19 in 2021
You may feel stressed sometimes even if you are practicing healthy and happy habits. Things seem up one day and down the next, but it is important to remember that this is a temporary season and it shall pass.
The CDC has a list of landlines you can get in touch with if you need help beyond healthy habits and staying connected to your loved ones. The following can help you:
Call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifelineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chatexternal icon.
National Domestic Violence Hotlinexternal icon: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotlineexternal icon: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat external icon
Veteran’s Crisis Lineexternal icon: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chatexternal icon or text: 8388255
Disaster Distress Helplineexternal icon: CALL or TEXT 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
The Eldercare Locatorexternal icon: 1-800-677-1116 – TTY Instructionsexternal icon
Premier Health’s article, 25 Stay-At-Home Self-Care Ideas During COVID-19 includes some really great ideas such as: starting a journal, cooking a brand new dish, listening to an interesting podcast, or even unsubscribing from junk emails.
Conclusion
Remember to give yourself grace during this time and accept that there will be many things outside of your control. It is important to stay focused on the present moment and on changing what we can.
Trying to stay happy is one of the most important things we can all do!
At PMH Laboratory, we are here to serve all your Covid-19 testing needs so you and your family can remain safe and calm.