Mental Health at Home

By: Kareena Kamal

During these rough times in which social distancing regulations are being strictly implemented and most of us are stuck at home with online school, it can be extremely challenging to cope with self-isolation while maintaining a good mental health. Our interactions with the outer world have become extremely limited as restaurants, theatres, malls, etc. have been closed and people are encouraged to work from home as much as possible. All of us, I believe, can admit that it’s getting quite tiresome constantly being at home, sitting at a computer for who knows how many hours straight without properly getting up to relax. However, despite all these challenges weighing on us, I have provided some suggestions to help you effectively safeguard your emotional and mental wellbeing during these time! Although it may initially seem unnecessary, this may just be the solution to your inner emotional conflict.

1. EXERCISE- Yes, literally, get up out of bed or your chair and be active! Physical inactivity can have a negative impact on one’s mental health as working out improves blood flow to the brain. Increased blood flow to the brain correlates with better cognitive function, improved memory, and overall protection against decline. “Feel-good” chemicals including serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins are released which in turn, dull the sensation of pain, improve mood, and help support better sleep. While you may not be able to actually go to the gym, there are many activities you may complete at home. Lifting weights, going for a run, and trying yoga are all options to help you maintain your fitness levels. If you’re not sure exactly what you want to do, resources such as YouTube are always there to help inspire your daily workouts (Chloe Ting’s workouts are trending as of now!). I mean, just imagine the relieved and satisfied sensation you will experience within once you’re finally done with that workout.

1. JOURNALING- Sometimes, we can feel overwhelmed and simply need a safe place to ‘dump’ our thoughts. Journaling is the perfect option in a situation like this because you can reflect your thoughts and thoroughly interact with your inner soul. Sometimes, no one is really there to listen, and fortunately, your journal is always there for you to spill everything. Not only will this help you release any emotions you may be encountering in your ongoing circumstances but you will also be able to kill some time. Talk about killing two birds with one stone (not literally, though)!

1. ESTABLISH A SOLID ROUTINE- This point may be one of the most important in this list because maintaining a routine on a daily basis will help you feel like you still have a purpose to fulfill as you go about your day. It is so easy to find yourself still in your pajamas, eating breakfast at 3 PM (definitely relatable to what I initially did when quarantine first started). One of the main disadvantages of quarantine is the reality of how easy it is to slip out of a normal routine, so it is crucial that new routines are quickly created to return some sense of normalcy. Sleeping too much is considered a trigger for depression and can make anxiety worse. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule and help yourself remain productive throughout the day, especially now that we have online school where it can be so easy to forget about upcoming deadlines. After all, the saying DOES go, “The early bird gets the worm” (but in this case, hopefully, you are not trying to obtain a worm).

1. CONNECT BUT VIRTUALLY- Instead of remaining gloomy about the fact that we are not able to interact with friends as easily, look at the bright side: most of us are lucky enough to have access to the internet so take advantage of that and use resources such as FaceTime to remain connected. Not only will this help shed off some of your boredom but it will also minimize the sense of isolation you are experiencing. Anxiety UK states, “If you feel that you’re beginning to struggle, take some time to call a friend or family member. Talk about how you’re feeling. If you don’t have anyone you can speak to you can call emotional support lines like the Samaritans and SANEline”. Talking to others who are experiencing the same circumstances can provide a sense of unity and empowerment for all individuals.

1. NEW CLUBS- Although we are virtually learning, many clubs have been introduced through social media platforms such as Instagram. Therefore, this school year, a great suggestion would be to try getting involved in the activities your school offers. There is such a diverse variety of clubs offered in Elkins that you can join depending on your interests. Healthcare-interested students, for example, enjoy clubs such as HOSA, Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross, Operation Smile, and countless more. Ultimately, how we make the best of our ongoing circumstances will truly help us create a positive mentality. Otherwise, we will easily fall into the trap of complaining and remaining unproductive: the opposite of what we should do.

Most importantly, remembering that this hard time will gradually pass if we unite globally will help keep your mind healthy and away from creating hypothetical situations. The fear of the unknown plays a significant role in our ongoing circumstances as of now but focus on one day at a time and prioritize your mental health. Limit your daily news intake and seek useful ways to spend your time (and no, that doesn’t mean watching Netflix for the whole day in bed no matter how tempting that may get). If we truly believe in our capabilities as a society and utilize those skills, then nothing can be considered impossible!