Not too long ago ago, the whole world went into social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s safe to say that no one really saw it coming and it hasn’t been that easy for most people. The entire world has come together in a collective state of fear, anxiety, and a struggle for survival both physically and mentally. As Aristotle once said, man is a social animal by nature, so what’s going on is literally against human nature. But here’s another great thing about humans, we know how to adapt pretty well. 

It’s easy during this time to fall into an abyss of negativity, so we have put together a guide for you to stay sane and come out on the other side of this mentally stable.

1. Find a Tempo

Social isolation has disrupted everyone’s usual routine, which even though we may complain about, gives us a sense of comfort. Now that you’re staying home, you’ll have to find a new routine that gives you that same feeling of comfort and helps you maintain a sense of normalcy. The start of your day is the key to how the rest of it goes, so get started with a refreshing walk or a nice breakfast in the balcony to get some Vitamin D. Maintaining a routine isn’t a must though, some people are driven mad by it. If you’re one of those, it’s a good idea to start each day differently to shake things up.

2. Become a Social Butterfly

This might seem contradictory, but this is a great time to get closer to people in your life and maybe even meet new ones. Yes, it’s called social isolation, but only in the physical sense, don’t take the term too literally. It’s easy for feelings of anxiety or depression to cause you to isolate yourself from your loved ones when they could actually help you deal with these emotions. Try to set up daily video calls with a group of friends where you play games or just to talk. If you’re studying online or working from home, it would be a great chance to get to know your classmates or coworkers better. Our busy schedules usually hold us back from social encounters, now we don’t have any excuses!

3. Get Help

Here’s where it gets a bit serious. You could be doing all these things while still experiencing some bad days. You could also want to do a number of things but find it hard to get out of bed. The mental health specialists over at https://www.thrivetalk.com/online-psychiatrist/ explain that during this time, joining online therapy sessions helps millions who are unable to go to a therapist’s office and need to get help. The important thing to remember is that it’s completely normal to experience this and to not be too hard on yourself or compare to what other people are doing. Another important thing to keep in mind is that it is okay to seek professional help. In fact, it is essential that you do when negative feelings start to consume you and cause you to shut down emotionally.

4. Keep Yourself Busy

Let’s face it, you’re bound to get bored with Netflix! Give yourself the chance to actually miss it by exploring new hobbies or interests. You can finally pick up that book you’ve been meaning to read. Artistic activities in particular are known to reduce stress and fill you with a sense of serenity mixed with accomplishment. Having small daily achievements can go a long way in subsiding negative feelings, even if it’s just cleaning your room or learning to cook a new meal.

5. Take a Break From the World

Even though it’s important to stay updated on the current situation, it could get a bit intense. If watching the news is increasing your anxiety or stress, there is nothing wrong with giving yourself a break. It’s also wise to filter your social media from any kind of negative content and just keep the funny memes and baby videos. Don’t be afraid to politely ask for a change of subject with a family member or a friend or just remove yourself from conversations that trigger anxiety.

6. Stay Healthy

Well, Beyoncé said it; a little sweat ain’t never hurt nobody! Just because gyms are closed, doesn’t mean you can’t get your sweat on at home and get that adrenaline pumping in your veins. Many people have resorted to finally focusing on their workouts and diet without the hectic daily schedules that force them to skip the gym and order a pizza at the end of the day. Eating healthily and exercising plays a huge part in mental health. A short jog in the morning will help those feel-good endorphins flow in your brain while healthy food is the fuel your brain needs to function well.

If there’s one thing to take from this article, it is that whatever feelings you are experiencing during this time are completely valid and that you should always reach out. Be it a friend or a professional; reaching out is essential to find an outlet for those emotions. Remember that this situation is temporary and that everything will be okay again eventually.

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