10 Tips for Maintaining Your Mental Health
Authors: Brandon Chen, Charlie Liu, Jiahao Wu, Charles Zhao, Molly Zhao
Editors: Tiffany Chen, Joyce Hai, Demi Leng, Zehra Naqvi, Shannon Tan, Leon Zhou
Artist: Athena Mo
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, everyone has been quarantined at home for long periods. Inevitably, this can lead to feelings of anxiety, agitation, isolation, and loneliness. Those with underlying mental health conditions, such as stress and bipolar disorder, are especially prone to negative mental health consequences, such as relapse and suicidal thoughts. However, don’t worry! It is completely normal to have some of the feelings mentioned above. Here are 10 tips to improve and maintain your mental well-being during this COVID-19 Pandemic.
1. Stay Informed
a. Read the news from trusted sources near you, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, and your local health department
b. Don’t stay glued to the news! This will only heighten anxiety and distress, and it does not offer any practical benefits to mental health
2. Create Healthy Habits
a. Get into a routine for your daily life; yes, get off the couch!
b. Do not smoke and limit alcoholic beverages
c. Adjust to the “new normal” of life; integrate old and new hobbies into your routine
3. Stay in Shape
a. Build a workout program that interests you and try new at-home exercises.
b. Some good exercises include: yoga, hiking, jogging, walking, and gardening
c. Countless studies have shown scientific evidence for a positive correlation between
exercise and better mental health
4. Eat Clean
a. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
b. Make sure to load up on whole fruits and vegetables and try to limit yourself from
snacking
5. Sleep!
a. Sleep at a regular time - make sure to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily
6. Fewer Electronics, More Conversations
a. Try to close the computer or phone once in a while
b. Even if you can’t see them in person, stay connected during quarantine! Commit to contacting at least one person each day (family, friends, etc) through telephone, social media, or video calling.
c. Having someone to talk to about your feelings is vital for your mental well-being
7. Find New Hobbies
a. Some of our suggestions include: reading, cooking, baking, learning a new instrument or language, creating artwork and listening to music
8. Set Small Goals Every Day
a. It may be intimidating when a huge assignment is due, but setting small and achievable goals can help overcome a lack of motivation
9. Meditate!
a. Scientific studies show that 90% of happiness DOES NOT depend on external circumstances, but rather on how our brain processes and perceives events
b. Meditation is an important awareness tool that helps to ground ourselves in the present, rather than the unknown
10. Prepared, Not Panicked
a. Take practical steps to protect yourself and loved ones, but overbuying items will lead to fewer resources available for those who need them more
b. If necessary, keep a one-month supply of prescription and over-the-counter medications needed to manage mental health and other conditions