The physical effects of the coronavirus pandemic appear well-documented. A person suffering from severe COVID-19 problems may experience dire respiratory distress or worse. Mild cases can still prove debilitating. The physical ailments, however, are not the only ones that create troubles. Psychological problems may manifest due to the pandemic’s influence. Even those who never contract the virus might suffer from mental health concerns. Perhaps that’s why services such as Talkspace may be valuable right now.
The present situation with the “new normal” does have its effect on people. Studies show many Americans worry about how the coronavirus pandemic negatively influences mental health.
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Don’t Ignore Self-Care
Among the most basic steps to address mild anxiety and depression entails keeping true to self-care. In other words, people may benefit by not letting themselves go. Depression or complacency might lead some to binge-watch streaming programming while cutting back on exercise time. Overeating, combined with inactivity, could lead to weight gain and possible health consequences. Some might even let their hygiene decline.
Just because someone may be home most of the time isn’t a great reason to allow these things to occur. Breaking out of a “funk” becomes difficult after allowing yourself to let go of essential steps for healthier living.
The Value of Self-Care
When taking steps for better self-care, there could be a ripple effect of personal improvements. A Talkspace therapist points out some helpful benefits associated with self-care. For one, self-esteem may stay positive. Exercising, keeping yourself clean, and wearing cleaned and pressed clothes might help a mental state.
The pandemic also altered routines. To preserve public safety, not everything is done the way it used to be. Sticking with traditional self-care routines helps ground people to those traditional routines, which could help ground people to positive feelings.
Taking Steps for Self-Care
Setting up a new routine and crafting an accompanying schedule might set a course for better self-care. Putting aside 15 minutes each day for yoga meditation, 20 minutes for reading a new book, and starting dinner prep early to make sure it is healthier are all small ways to accomplish beneficial results. Without a plan in place, things might become too random. Helpful steps also become easier to skip without a semblance of a routine to follow.
Schedules could assist with overcoming boredom and procrastination. Sometimes, when people fall into the “boredom hole,” they might not feel motivated to do much of anything. Creating a schedule is no guarantee that someone can overcome the lethargic nature of boredom, but at least devising a schedule represents a proactive step. Consider it the first step towards becoming more motivated and doing essential things.
Keeping Active Has Value
Passive activities have value, but they may come with limitations. Watching an uplifting movie or reading an educational book could help alleviate boredom. However, there is a limit to the benefits of things done while sitting down and being inactive. The body needs to move, and physical movement could have a helpful effect on the mind.
When able, jogging in a park allows someone to get out of the house or apartment and enjoy the fresh air. Of course, masks, social distancing, and other necessary rules often apply. Regardless, getting out and getting moving has value.
Things are certainly different today than they were in years past. People have to adjust to the changes. While depression and boredom might be understandable results, they need not be debilitating problems.
With the right attitude and the desire to create a reliable routine, achieving self-care may be possible. And self-care is worth putting forth the effort.
You can also follow Talkspace on Instagram for more helpful mental health tips.
