10 Mental Health Tips to Keep You Sane During the Coronavirus Pandemic
How’s your mental health?
Most of us get asked how we’re doing constantly. Whether it’s coming from our friends, significant other, or the cashier at the grocery store. We’re pretty conditioned to reply with a simple “Doing good, how are you?” or just “fine”. But how are we REALLY doing?
Now, more than ever, our mental health is being put to the test as we’re stuck inside, socially distancing, and trying to cope with what nearly the whole world is experiencing. If no one else is checking in on your mental or emotional well-being, I am now! I want to equip you with a few helpful tools to navigate through these tough times and hopefully feel more “fine” at the end of your day.
Looking for ways to lift your spirits or boost your mood? Check out these 10 tips!
1. Notice the good that’s around you!
Wherever you are — whether you’re working from home or not working at all, there are still lots of good things to celebrate. If you believe in a higher power or religion, now is the perfect time to focus on your faith.
The world is full of people eager to care for others, share what they can, and help in some way. If you can think of 5 good things, write them down somewhere, and cherish them!
For me, these are the first 5 things I can think of to be grateful for:
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- I’m healthy and my kids are healthy.
- I have more than enough food.
- I can still laugh while watching The Office at the end of the day.
- I have access to things that will lift my mood like music, books, and games.
- I have a roof over my head.
… and trust me, I’m lucky to know there are more things I can list!
2. Know there is no short supply of kindness.
Radio stations are donating money to pay bills for jobless individuals. The Bill Gates foundation has donated $100 million towards COVID-19 treatment and development of a vaccine, among numerous other business executives and celebrities.
Be sure to read this post we put together sharing acts of kindness happening all around us during the coronavirus.
People are donating free meals to healthcare workers. One woman even turned her restaurant into a community kitchen to serve those affected by the virus.
I’m so humbled and amazed by the generosity that it brings me to joyful tears (holding back another wave of emotions as I write this 😭).
3. Practice breathwork (Pranayama)
On some level, we’re all stressed, scared, anxious, and emotional. When will all of this be over? When will life feel normal again? No one can say for sure, so don’t give worry or fear anymore of your brainpower.
Close your eyes and take a deep, cleansing breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Breathwork (also referred to as Pranayama) is an ancient practice that has been known to cleanse the mind and restore balance to the body and spirit. YES, PLEASE!
If you’ve ever taken a yoga class, you know what I’m talking about.
Get started with one of Deepak Chopra’s breathing exercises for a little dose of inner peace. 🙏
4. Increase endorphins!
Endorph-what?? You know when you feel really happy and carefree? It’s usually because your endorphins are high! They’re the natural chemicals our bodies produce to relieve stress and fight pain.
When you’re more active, you automatically stimulate endorphin production. So find a way to get your body moving like:
- Going for a brisk walk
- Doing a few squats
- Playing a game with your family
- Listening to music and getting dancy
5. Embrace uplifting self-talk
I’m not always my best cheerleader. A lot of the conversations I have with myself (whether out loud or in my head) are quite critical. If you can relate, here’s how you can turn that criticism into a more positive dialogue:
“I’m a bad mom because I didn’t help my kids with their homework last week.”
Instead try: “Life is crazy and it’s ok to be imperfect. I know I can do better next week and I WILL!”
“I probably won’t share my thoughts in the work meeting, people will think they’re dumb.”
Instead try: “I have great ideas and sharing them with others won’t do any harm. In fact, they’ll likely make an awesome contribution!”
“I won’t feel good about myself until I lose 10 lbs.”
Instead try: “My body has changed, but my beauty is not defined by a scale. I will be really proud of myself if I work hard to lose 10 lbs.“
Go ahead and make fun, but uplifting self-talk can totally change the way you perceive yourself. When you adopt this conscious practice, it will likely transfer to how you communicate with others.
Science also proves that saying is believing, so start encouraging the one and only you more often!
6. Find a positivity partner
Now that you’re having happy conversations with yourself, take it to the next level and find yourself a cheerleader. It can be your husband, your neighbor, your mom, a friend from work, etc.
Make sure the person you choose isn’t a negative Nancy that will bring you down. GOOD VIBES ONLY. Here are a few things that I look for in a positivity partner… Someone who will:
- Encourage my personal development
- Offer a different perspective than my own
- Provide emotional support during tough times
- Remind me of my goals
Try to check in with your buddy at least twice a week, even it’s just a short text conversation or phone call. Studies show that uplifting relationships reduce stress and promote better mental health and who doesn’t want that?!
Looking for an online resource to help? Try Prepare U Mental Health Program that the whole family can participate in. Originally created for as a school counselor resource, they now have an in-home edition.
7. Make time for exercise
We know that physical activity increases endorphins, but it also:
- Relieves depression and boosts your mood
- Increases bone and muscle strength
- Increases energy levels
- Produces natural antioxidants in the body
Everyone’s exercise journey looks different. Choose something that you’ll enjoy whether it’s a ride on your stationary bike or lunges and situps in your living room.
By the way, don’t miss this post I put together sharing a full body workout you can do in your living room.
Better yet, join us in our 30-Day Glute Bridge Challenge to get your workout on with the whole Hip2Save community!
8. Listen to a podcast
Most podcasts are free and offer a wealth of insight on a variety of topics, including mental health. From wellness tips and trends to life hacks and personal growth support, you can absorb a ton of content that will benefit you in so many ways.
Here are a few of my favorite podcasts that are enlightening and helpful:
9. Try a natural nootropic
If you struggle with anxiety, depression, or insomnia, I feel your pain. These mood destroyers are enough to take over your whole day.
Natural nootropic supplements improve brain cognition and help combat those negative feelings of stress, sadness, worry, and exhaustion. Since they’re all-natural, they don’t come with a slew of nasty side effects like many prescriptions do.
I first tried nootropics when I was going through an extremely stressful time. My anxiety was through the roof and nights of good sleep were few and far between. After about 2-3 weeks of use, I felt like a different person in the best way possible.
My energy levels increased substantially, my anxiety went down, and I felt more normal and happy than I had in a long time. 🙌
Here’s a list of highly-rated and recommended natural nootropics:
- Kava Kava Extract: Provides mental calmness, reduces anxiety, and improves sleep.
- Rhodiola Rosea: Promotes mental clarity and feelings of motivation, increases energy levels.
- Ashwagandha: Balances cortisol levels and improves mood, reduces blood pressures.
- Phosphatidylserine: Improves memory and focus, increases mental processing speed and reduces brain fog.
*Please note, I am not a medical expert, so consult with your doctor if you have questions about natural nootropics.
10. Do something that you love!
Research actually shows that people who engage in hobbies are less stressed and in a better mood. It makes sense if you think about how great you feel when you’re doing something that lights you up!
That could look like an hour of art therapy or photography in your backyard. It could mean picking an instrument back up or playing a game with your family. Pick one or two things that make you come alive and go do them!
Hip Tip: Want to learn something new? Check out all the FREE online classes you can take right now, from sewing to coding to photography!
Every day is filled with new emotions, challenges, and questions. But with every day, you have a new opportunity to make today better than yesterday.
Start your day on a good note with this printable affirmation letter just in case you need a reminder of how great you are! For those days that you’re really struggling, hang in there! These mental health tips are here for you when you need them.
Now go have a great day, YOU GOT THIS! 👊
Check out these 21 Fun Things To Do at Home While Social Distancing!
If you are struggling through this strange time (and even if you aren’t) let me encourage you to pray. Look for answers in the Bible. Jesus loves you and wants to have a relationship with you.
Amen!
Amen! He is my peace in the midst of all this chaos.
AMEN
Number One on my list!
Amen
🙏🙏🙏
Wonderful encouragement Jess🤗❤️
Praying has really helped me and my son deal with this.
I couldn’t agree more. A few days before the shutdown, my neighbor texted me, “Take courage. Do not be afraid. It is I.” This is from Matthew 14:27. I had been praying for God to send someone to help me and He did. I rarely communicated with my neighbor which is how I know this is a word from God in due season. My husband was laid off 1 1/2 years ago and is still waiting for a new job. God knew without this message I quite literally would have had a breakdown from the stress of quarantine and the effects this will have on my his search for employment. When I feel my stress rising, I repeat this verse until I feel better. I don’t like our circumstances but I am not afraid.
Great tips, H2S. Thank you for acknowledging this as a possible issue, and being inclusive! You guys rocks!
You’re SO very welcome, Katrina! Thank YOU for the sweet comment! 🥰
Taylor, this article is amazing! Thanks for writing it – it’s a great, gentle reminder that WE are in this together. 🥰
Glad you enjoyed it LG! I hope you’re hanging in there during this time❤️
Great article. For those who suffer debilitating mental health struggles – please reach out to your physician, a therapist and/or psychiatrist. If a loved one is unable to function in daily life, encourage them to seek help. Stressful and isolating situations only enhance our mental health issues. Let’s keep an eye out for those who require more help than just daily self care.
Yes 👏🏼 I’ve been seeing my counselor weekly via Telehealth!
Thanks for the comment, Jill, and for looking out for others who are struggling❤️
Great list! I would also add, if this is allowed in your state, go outside. Get some sunshine. Listen to the birds. Breathe in the spring air. Plant a garden of some kind, if that is possible. Notice the life around you, from the bees to the blooming flowers.
Oh yes! Thanks for the tip. I do find that helpful as well, Melissaan! 🙌
Thank you guys for this list! I’ve been a follower for nearly 11 years now (started while searching for those diaper deals for my oldest), and it’s been a joy to grow along with the site☺️
Aww, You’re welcome! It sure has been a joy to have had you as a reader for so many years, Rebecca! Thank you so much for your kind words. 🥰
Last month I was getting pretty good at tricking myself into believing I was okay, but my body wasn’t fooled. Every time I stood up, I was blacking out. I was also lashing out at my family a lot. That’s when I knew I needed a few hours of time completely to myself (introvert here, with 2 kids and a hubby in the house, and no time to recharge). I locked myself in my bedroom for the night, had a nice long bubble bath, sheet mask treatment, some of my favorite beverages, then watched a movie laying in bed with no distractions. By the time I finished, I felt a million times better, I was able to handle everything much better. Now I do this once a week to recharge so I can do my best to take care of my family. Case in point, take a little time for yourself! Even just a few hours can make all the difference.
Michelle, I’m so glad you got a relaxing night to recharge! I totally relate to you there and also need my quiet introvert time to reboot😄. It makes such a difference though, and that’s so awesome of you to recognize when you need it and how important it is🙌
THANK YOU! This was very much needed & SO helpful. As a follower of Hip2Save for many years now, I am always finding things to make life easier😁 As a RN supervisor & single parent, I get so busy caring for others that I often feel depleted, (let alone during a global pandemic!) which has made my already existing anxiety virtually unbearable 😣 Blessings & love all fellow Hipsters 💗
You’re very welcome, Suzanne! HUGE thanks to you for being a longtime reader and for the work that you do. We truly appreciate YOU!! 🥰💖
Thank u SO much 🙏🏻💓
🤗💖
Do you mind if I ask which of the nootropics you have tried? I’m new to this, but would like to try something natural before going to a prescription medication. Thanks for any insight about these you can give! I do understand you’re not a medical professional. 😉
Hi Megan, Thanks for asking! I have taken Rhodiola Rosea in conjunction with Ashwagandha. I was seeking something that would promote mental clarity, but also help with anxiety and these two supplements really help me personally. They give me the perfect mood and mental boost without making me feel weird or jittery. This is a helpful article to check out too if you’re thinking about trying two: https://www.prohealth.com/library/adapt-to-stress-naturally-with-these-power-herbs-35543
Can these herbs be all used at once?
It looks as though they treat similar symptoms. I worry your dosage would be too strong and you may have added side effects if you use them all together. I wondered that same thing, too.
Hi Z! Good question. While I am not a medical professional, I have researched these herbal supplements and adaptogens pretty extensively. Based on the research that I’ve found, it is safe to combine certain supplements. However, I would recommend starting out with one at a time so you can better gauge the initial results. This is a great resource that provides more specific information on usage: https://drinkmetta.com/blogs/the-elevated-life/the-ultimate-guide-to-adaptogens.
I appreciate all your suggestions but I am surprised you suggest faith, whatever your religion is… and mere fact you have the bill gates foundation i find very sad and offensive.. do some research on Bill Gates please, his foundation is not abed of roses at all.. He had very close ties to Jeffery Epstein, who was a horrible person. His foundation is being investigated for MANY reasons. This is not about politics, its about the people you call friends and his value system. I appreciate hip2save and see it as a family first site.
I am surprised you do not suggest Faith first
I normally wouldn’t recommend screen time, but Netflix, Hulu and Xbox have helped my son and me deal with this. Without these, we would have gone crazy from boredom. Thankfully I’ve been able to work from home but that means I can’t entertain him or do activities with him for 8+ hours a day. Since he can’t go out and play with his friends, I’m glad he has an Xbox to stay in touch with his friends and cousins; he plays games with them and talks with them on the Xbox. I’ve never been much of a TV watcher, and always felt I could spend my time doing more productive things, but during this time, I’ve been getting productive things done and still had plenty of time to watch TV. It has been nice to escape, in a way, and watch many great shows and movies.
Haha many of us are in the same boat with technology! That’s awesome that your son can still connect with friends through Xbox though. It sounds like you’re doing an awesome job managing your days at home👏. Keep it up!
Write a gratitude list.