5 Ways to Protect Your Mental Health During A Crisis

Currently, our world is experiencing a crisis unlike anything we’ve experienced in many, many years.

All across the world, kids are home from school with schools being mandated to close for the year for many. Hundreds of thousands of people are getting sick. Businesses are being mandated to close, and some won’t sustain through the closure. Many have lost their jobs or have been laid off not knowing when their next paycheck will come or when they will be able to return to work. Life as we know it has changed, exponentially.

For thousands of unfortunate people, they have been forced to say goodbye to their loved ones from afar.

There is so much uncertainty circulating and it comes as no surprise that it leaves many of us feeling anxious, overwhelmed and stressed. Many of us are  left feeling as though we are no longer in control of our lives and unsure of what the future holds.

There are many things we’re unable to control right now with all of the government  mandated orders in place, but the one thing we are constantly in control of us our mind. Regardless of what is happening around us, at the end of the day, you are in control of how you feel, how you react and what you do.

Now, more than ever, you need to protect your mental health. Pay attention to when the anxiety starts flaring up or when your heart rate starts rising. Be conscientiousness of those moments you become instantly overwhelmed, and take note of the circumstances surrounding that moment to put yourself in a better situation next time in order to prevent a re-occurrence.

In the meantime, here are five ways to keep your mental health intact during a crisis.

Practice Gratitude

It’s so easy to forget the things we’re grateful for when times are tough, but if there is one thing my role model, Rachel Hollis, has taught me it’s that practicing gratitude should be a fundamental part of every day.  Every day I write down at least five things I’m grateful for. It reminds me to be mindful of the things I’m grateful for and to keep the positive things on the forefront of my mind even when things are tough.

If we’re not actively seeking positivity and things to be grateful for, we’re going to be sucked into the negativity that is all around us which might lead to depression and anxiety.

Disconnect

If you’re anything like me, I want to know as much about this virus as possible. Every day, here in Michigan at least, new Coronavirus cases and deaths are reported on at 3pm. I literally wait for those updates every day, and it’s ridiculous how much anxiety I get seeing those numbers climb, although it comes to no surprise that the numbers increase until a cure is found or the virus goes away.

All we are exposed to through social media and other major media outlets are the complaints of others, those not taking the virus seriously thus putting others lives and well being at risk and just the negativity of others. It’s exhausting. The negative can far outweigh the negative. The news outlets generally don’t focus on the positive because negative news is rankings in their eyes.

In order to safeguard emotions and mindset, we must learn to disconnect. Turn off the electronics. It doesn’t have to be forever, but maybe for an hour in order to enjoy a good book or a long walk. Give yourself time to re-center and focus on the good.

Get Outside/Get Active

For me, when I’m stressed or feeling exceptionally concerned for my mental health, the first thing I want to do is one of two things: 1) get outside or 2) get active. Now, those two things can easily be combined. I love venturing outdoors and going on nature hikes especially in Northern Michigan. With the orders being in place, venturing much further than my back yard is hard to do, so going for walks or runs in your neighborhood will suffice for now.

There’s just something about the sunshine, the breeze, the sounds of nature, the fresh air and smells of nature that help ease the stresses of life. Add a bit of exercise, and I’m golden!

Check On and Help Others

In the midst of crisis, we tend to worry about those closest to us, generally our immediate family, but I think it’s important to remember those who might not come to mind first but who are also in our backyard so to say. Check on your neighbors. Ask how you’re able to help your local community such as your local senior citizen communities and homeless shelters. Don’t forget the animals sitting in the animal shelters. There are a lot of those less fortunate than yourself struggling.

Helping someone else, no matter how small the gesture, can go along way to lift someone’s spirits (and also yours) in the uncertainly and chaos we’re currently in.

Self-Care

For most of us, including myself, it’s our first instinct to check on our loved ones when a crisis or hard times are happening such as what’s happening currently with COVID-19. I think that it’s so imperative that you’re checking in on yourself. How are you doing? How are your thoughts, emotions and mindset? What needs to change?

Focus on self-care. What do you like to do for self-care? Do you like to read? Meditate? Take a bubble bath with a glass of wine? Whatever it is, make sure you’re paying attention to your needs and practice self-care as much as you think is necessary to ensure your mental health is in check.

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It’s tough right now, and it’s no surprise that many are battling mental health issues. Some are unable to see friends and a family which would otherwise help boost moral. Many are struggling to see the positive in all the negative, and when combined with quarantine restrictions, potential for sickness and all that comes with this crisis, it is a struggle for many to focus on their mental health. Unless one is actively looking for ways to focus on their mental health, it will go by the wayside. By incorporating and focusing on the five ways to keep your mental health intact, you’re much more likely to get through this quarantine healthier and happier.