Author: Treasure Health System

Don’t focus on what can’t be done, but do something good for yourself and others. Staying at home is not a waste of time, as there are many ways to take advantage of it. Remind yourself regularly that you are saving lives and that the more you follow the rules, the faster we will all get out of this.

Communication: Being in contact with other people avoids boredom and is essential to minimize the feeling of isolation. Activate support networks, contact friends and family by phone, social media or text messages, and join a support group for people in quarantine. Sharing your feelings creates a much-needed sense of community.

Take advantage of free time: it can be stressful, but worrying won’t make quarantine go faster. Chances are, you’ve always wanted a little more free time to do something. Now that you have the time, take advantage of it.

Establish routines and keep a schedule: establishing a routine gives the day structure and helps us manage stress, so nothing to stop showering, eating all the time, or cleaning the house at one in the morning. And if there are children at home, a routine is even more essential. Establish a schedule with them, for example, in the morning, make the bed, review lessons, eat video games, and in the afternoon family activity.

Limit screen time: It is not bad to watch a series or news. But being 24 hours at home, connected to the television and to the cell phone, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by so much information, that most of the time it only generates more fear and anxiety.

It is also recommended to use your mobile phone in a responsible manner: avoid its use two hours before sleeping and don’t switch it on as soon as you get up.

Don’t neglect your physical appearance: Staying at home for many means not showering, not grooming, eating everything, and overlooking vital spaces. But even at home, taking care of health, appearance, and organization keeps us active, alert, and mentally clear.

Stop and do nothing: Just as taking advantage of time is necessary, stopping a bit, giving us a break, and just doing nothing is just as important. Society requires us to be permanently busy and makes us believe that we only have value if we produce, but this hyper-productivity has several negative consequences.

Practice mindfulness: In circumstances like today, we tend to project ourselves into the future and expect the worst. Do not anticipate, and even less, if it is to create all kinds of catastrophic scenarios in your head. It’s time to focus on the present and the things that are under your control. Meditation is another very healthy activity for our mind and an ally to reduce stress and anxiety and relaxation techniques consisting of concentrating on our breathing.

Be Thankful: The chances are that if you are at home with your family, have a job, food, and can afford to watch a series or play with your children, you are a fortunate person. Stop a little and be grateful that you have your family, your job, or your health in times of crisis. Gratitude is the magic formula to receive continuous blessings.

Reactivate manual activities, painting, knitting, doing crossword puzzles, word searches, in this way the mind is occupied and stops thinking about the coronavirus; it is a way to strengthen mental health, in one way or another it is like setting a schedule to your anxiety; children can be engaged by telling them stories.

To stay mentally alert, recognize, and control your emotions, stay calm, alert, and behave positively! Are you finding it difficult to cope with mental health during this period? Contact us at Treasure Health System.