The year 2020 has been a challenging year for us all, some feeling the pressures more than others. With the year coming to an end and hopefully COVID-19 restrictions easing up soon, make sure you’re caring for your mental health as best as possible. Address any problems, sooner rather than later. Below are some recommendations to help improve your mental health and get you back on track for the new year. To stay sane in lockdown:
Try new things
With day-to-day life becoming repetitive and more people spending the majority of time indoors, it can all become a little dull. Think about some hobbies or new skills that you would like to start – and then do them!
Having something else to focus on can level out your emotions. So, why not try learning a new language, start to paint, or write a book about lockdown like M.J. Mallon? It can help you stay sane in lockdown.
Try a few hobbies out to find what you really enjoy doing and stick with it until you finish the project. Get the family involved too. Learning a new skill together can be a way to encourage and inspire each other.
Cut out any vices
You have found some vices to ease your stress this year. If that’s the case, take time to identify what is unhealthy about them.
Alcohol and drugs are common distractions people tend to take when under pressure. If you think you have a problem, then check yourself into a Drug Detox center, where they can help you detox and refocus your stress into healthier ways. If you find it hard to take the next step, then confide in a loved one and ask for help.
Get out and exercise to stay sane in lockdown
Getting outside and exercising is great for your mental health. You have probably heard it a hundred times before but that’s because it’s true.
Fresh air and being in nature lowers your cortisol level, which is connected to the stress hormone. Exercising releases endorphins that, in turn, trigger a positive feeling in your body.
Take 10-30 minutes out of your day to go on a brisk walk or maybe a cycle or run. Whatever you choose to do, get your heart rate up and enjoy the fresh air. Yes, you’re allowed to do these types of activities during the lockdown, at least where I live, provided you’re social distancing.
Talk with family and friends
Staying sane during lockdown can be tough. It’s lonely, so if you are on your own, don’t be afraid to reach out to talk to other people. We thrive on human interaction and it is a big part of keeping our mental health happy.
It could be as simple as a text or email. A phone call is better, though, as is a video call. Hearing the voice and, if it’s a video chat, seeing the person’s face will satisfy your social craving.
If you meet up outside, then social distance. Having human interaction can improve your mental health massively, especially if you are working alone at home.
Conclusion on staying sane in lockdown
Hopefully, these tips have helped you address your mental health and give you some ways to relieve stress and anxiety during the pandemic. If you missed the guide on surviving isolation in an apartment, find more tips here.