How to Care for Yourself While
Practicing Physical
Distancing
If you are feeling overwhelmed or mentally exhausted because of changes
to our society brought on by COVID-19, you’re not alone. The pandemic has
impacted millions of Americans physically, mentally and emotionally.
People across
the country are experiencing increased levels of stress and fear because of the
new disease as well as feelings of isolation brought on by physical distancing.
Research from the Kaiser Family Foundation says 45% of adults report
feelings of worry and stress related to COVID-19 that have negatively impacted
their mental health. Feelings of anxiety are becoming more common as people are
worried about themselves or their loved ones getting sick.
The Mental Health
First Aid Blog (www.mhfa.org) offers these easy
self-care strategies to help reduce feelings of depression and prevent anxiety
while social distancing:
1.
Eat
healthfully to keep your
body in top working order.
2.
Exercise reduces symptoms of depression and
anxiety, whether we’re working out at home or taking a solo jog around the
neighborhood.
3.
Practice
relaxation therapy. Focusing on
tensing and relaxing muscle groups can help you relax voluntarily when feeling
overwhelmed, stressed or anxious.
4.
Let
light in. Increased
exposure to light can improve symptoms of depression. If you can, open the
shades and let more sunlight in.
5.
Be
kind to yourself! Treat yourself
with the same compassion you would a friend.
6.
Stay
connected. Even if you can’t get
together face-to-face, you can stay connected to friends, family and neighbors
with phone calls, text messages, video chats and social media. If you’re
feeling lonely, sad or anxious, reach out to your social support networks.
Share what you are feeling and offer to listen to friends or family members
about their feelings. We are all experiencing this scary and uncertain time
together.
7.
Monitor
media consumption. While you might want
to stay up-to the minute with COVID-19 news, too much exposure can be
overwhelming. Balance media consumption with other activities you enjoy, such
as reading, cooking or listening to music.
