A recent study from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) found that more than 50% of the participants reported experiencing high level of stress and worry during COVID-19. The main pandemic-related stressors, among others, include job loss, fear of the virus, and pandemic-related restrictions such as safer-at-home orders and mobility restrictions. Some of the things you can do to improve your psychological health during COVID-19 include:
Shunning Fake News
While it’s important to stay informed about the pandemic, make sure you receive and consume pandemic-related information from trusted and credible sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Fake news about the pandemic can have a negative impact on your psychological health.
Avoid Information Overload
Limit the amount of information you’re consuming about the pandemic. According to the CDC, hearing news about the pandemic too frequently can be upsetting. Moreover, the WHO recommends that you minimize newsfeeds and try to minimize how much you read. For instance, you should avoid watching or listening to news that may cause anxiety and distress. Consequently, the WHO suggests that you seek the latest information about the pandemic at specific times of the day, preferably once or twice per day.
Find Healthy Ways to Reduce Stress
If you happen to be feeling particularly anxious, take deep breaths and do grounding exercises. Additionally, you should also eat healthy, exercise regularly, take deep breaths, stretch regularly, meditate, get adequate sleep, avoid drugs and excessive alcohol consumption, make some time to unwind and engage in your interests., says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Find Time to Connect with Others
Another good way to ensure you stay mentally healthy during COVID-19 is to connect with others. Per the WHO , maintaining social contact is vital for your psychological well-being. Of course, your movements might be restricted due to social distancing rules, and you may find it difficult to meet your friends and loved ones. However, this is not something that should prevent you from connecting with them. You can keep in regular contact with your loved ones and friends through social media, telephone, and other online platforms.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you become overwhelmed by all the changes in your lifestyle and feel your thoughts and actions are draining your positive energy, know that it’s okay to seek help. Help could as simple as requesting a neighbor or friend to help you with a routine task like picking up something for you from the grocery store. It could also mean reaching out to a mental health professional.
Maintain a Regular Routine
During COVID-19, following a regular schedule can help you relieve stress, and therefore, improve your mental health. Predictability helps to make you feel more in control, says the Mayo Clinic.
Keep Yourself Busy
This is one of the most effective stress and anxiety management strategies because it helps to distract you from negative thoughts that can feed anxiety and stress. Some of the things you can do to keep yourself busy at home include engaging in your favorite hobbies, identifying new DIY projects at home, or simply doing chores. It also helps you to stay focused on positive things in your life.
Use these handy tips to improve your mental health during COVID-19. Have peace of mind that your health is protected with the right health insurance and life insurance. When looking for the right coverage, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Donald Weiss Insurance Services. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you with all your insurance needs.