Mental Health & Self Care During The COVID-19 Era

Being isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic is causing mental health challenges for a lot of people right now.

Routines are disrupted and we’re not able to do the activities we used to do or see the people we used to see.

If you’re feeling lonely, you’re not the only one.

At Arbor Place, one of our focus areas is to provide you with support and guidance around mental health.

If you’re battling loneliness, depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges, here are some ways to improve your mental health and self care during this time.

Spend Time Unplugged

Due to the unprecedented isolation, many people are battling severe boredom which can go hand in hand with loneliness.

When there’s nothing to do, many of us spend more and more time using technology.

While technology can be used to connect people, it may also lead to more feelings of loneliness, depression, and further isolation.

Our recommendation? Make sure to spend high quality time unplugged.

Read a book, go on walks, find a new hobby, or learn how to bake something new. It’s important to spend time disconnected from technology and doing activities that support your mental health.

Continue or Start Exercising

It’s tempting to sit around right now. Everything is closed and many people are working from their home.

But movement is a critical part of your well being and affects your mental health and feelings of well being. If you’re struggling to get through this time, prioritize your physical fitness.

Go on walks and bike rides. Find online yoga videos or exercise classes that you can do in your living room. Want your fitness habit to last? Tell someone about it and schedule time for it right on your calendar.

Eat Well & Sleep Well

It’s so important to put a high value on taking care of your physical needs right now.

The time when most people neglect their physical needs is when their routine is disrupted and COVID-19 protocols are causing everyone’s routine to be in disarray.

Physical health and mental health are closely related. When you take care of your body, your mental health tends to be stronger as well.

Plan your grocery trips carefully and make sure to include healthy nutritious foods in your diet.

Another thing to keep in mind is high quality sleep. Try to have an established routine that gets you to bed at a similar time every night and gives you the correct amount of sleep that you need.

Stay In Touch With Loved Ones

You may be isolated, but you’re not alone.

Make sure to stay connected to important relationships. Being emotionally close to people even if you can’t be physically close is important. Good relationships make us feel good about ourselves and give our lives purpose.

Staying connected with people will take more effort than it used to. Call your friends and family, schedule a Zoom hangout for your group of friends, or write a letter to someone.

Need Support? Telehealth Counseling Is Available

This is a challenging time. It’s normal to struggle in isolation but it can get better.

If you’d like support, Arbor Place has a proven record of helping people overcoming even the most challenging mental health struggles.

Our mental health counseling and treatment services are now available via tele-health.

We’re just a phone call away.