It looks like social distancing might be the new "normal" for a bit. While that's definitely important to do, its also important that you don't forget about your mental health during this time! Isolating yourself from others can unfortunately send some people into a depressive state, so here's some tips to keep yourself mentally healthy while staying physically healthy.
TIPS & TRICKS:
- Keep your routine! If you normally wake up at 8am, take a shower, eat breakfast, walk your dog, and then start working, keep doing that! Keeping your routine will give you a sense of normalcy in a completely NOT normal situation
- Stay active! If you're able to, take a walk around the block and get that much needed Vitamin-C. Going to the gym may not be an option right now, but there's plenty of exercises you can do from home and YouTube has a TON of workout videos you can use.
- Stay in touch with your family and friends. Luckily, we have so much technology at our fingertips that lets us keep in touch with people even when they're far away. Facetime/Skype a friend, text your mom, just stay in touch.
- Limit your social media intake. The news can be very scary right now and may cause you even more stress. Try limiting how much you're using social media to limit the anxiety.
- Meditate! If you've never meditated before, this may be the time to start! Once again, YouTube has plenty of videos to teach you techniques.
- Focus on the positives. Set aside a few minutes each day to point out the GOOD things happening in the world. The Good News Network, The Happy Newspaper, and The Optimist Daily are great websites to visit to cheer you up!
RESOURCES:
- The Crisis Textline offers free, 24/7 support. Text "HOME" to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to talk to a trained crisis counselor
- Join Talk Space and get matched with a licensed therapist. You'll be able to send them messages any time. You can even schedule a video chat.
- Mobile Crisis Services: 24/7 support by phone with a trained crisis specialist in your area. Call 855-CRISIS1
- Search To Write Love On Her Arms for other resources and therapists in your area.
- Family + Children's Services: offers a crisis line. Call 615-244-7444 or text 615-502-4373
- Restaurant After Hours: provides mental health and substance abuse resounds
- Refuge Center for Counseling: affordable + professional counseling based on a sliding scale system. They are currently open, but also offer telehealth services