How to Look After Your Mental Health in Quarantine

Many educational institutes and working offices have closed due to COVID-19 and staying inside has been advised, meaning many of us to have to work from home until further notice.

As per Buzzfeed, Laura Hawryluck, a critical care physician and associate professor at the University of Toronto said: “We don’t realise just how social beings we are until that contact is reduced or diminished because we can't leave our homes.” 

When staying inside all day, it's natural to feel a little stressed and anxious sometimes, but we're here to provide some basic steps to help reduce those negative feelings.

CONNECT WITH PEOPLE

If you're stuck inside alone or if you live with people you're not particularly close to, it's good to stay connected to those outside of your home.

Maybe now would be a good time to connect with a friend you haven't spoken to in a while. We're lucky enough to live in a time where technology is at our fingertips, where we can video chat and even voice note at a moment's notice to make it feel like the person on the other side is there with you.

If you're worried about getting lonely, redecorate your room with some pictures of the ones you love to remind you that you are not alone at any point.

It might be a good idea to listen to a chatty radio station if it feels too quiet.

TRY NOT TO FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE

This one can be easier said than done sometimes, but with all the rumours and constant news items floating around, it's hard to know what to believe.

Try to limit your news intake for a day and pick a time when it's best for you to hear the truthful updates on what is actually going on outside. It's important to find balance.

GET AS MUCH FRESH AIR AS YOU CAN

If you're working or studying, sit by a window you can open. The fresh air and natural light will work wonders.

TRY TO KEEP ACTIVE

If you can't go to the gym bring the gym to you.

There are loads of work outs you can do at home that will get the endorphins pumping and positivity radiating through!

If you merely wince at the thought of working out, you could clean the house or even dance to some funky tunes. Anything so you're not sitting down for 24 hours of the day!

KEEP YOUR BRAIN TICKING!

It's super natural to feel bored while you're confined to the same space. Studying and working hard can really take its toll on you, so it's important to keep your brain working in the ways you want it to!

There are tonnes of apps on iOS and Android that allow you to learn a new language or complete puzzles.

Set aside time in your routine for fun ways to stimulate your brain. Read books, magazines and articles. Listen to podcasts, watch films - the possibilities are endless.

If you need further help, visit the Mind website. Mind is a mental health charity designed to help you when you need it.