Take time off the internet

Thanks to the internet, switching to online school and work from home schedules didn’t become a huge issue for students and the workforce. It’s also where we get the latest updates on the pandemic. Though it is important to be in-the-know regarding current developments, you should limit your screen time. Being wrapped up in the numbers and bad news just leads to more anxiety and fear, so you’ll feel so much relief when you unplug even for just a little while.

Exercise

Can we all agree that we’re turning into couch potatoes during this time of quarantine? We’ve become too invested in our binge-watch lists and have started forgetting how important it is to exercise even just for a few minutes. Exercise is actually beneficial for your health; especially your mental health! You don’t even have to follow extreme workouts to get the job done.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s study found that walking for an hour of running for 15 minutes a day reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. It even works for anxiety as it relieves stress and tension, and gives a huge release of endorphins. Depression and anxiety are just some of the psychological impacts of going on quarantine so you might try being active. There are plenty of apps and videos online!

Boost your immune system

The best way of taking care of yourself during this trying time is to take measures that will protect you from catching the virus. Follow the quarantine, practice proper hygiene, and most importantly, maintain a healthy immune system. Don’t binge-watch too much, get enough sleep! Also, you might want to list these immunity-boosting foods for your next trip to the grocery:

Practice mindfulness

Try yoga or meditation. According to a psychologist at Geisinger Medical Center (US), Dr. Laura Maphis, breathing exercises and meditation help in slowing down your heart rate and clearing your mind. When done regularly, it also helps boost your immune system. Also, yoga is good for a light workout!

But mindfulness isn’t only about doing yoga or meditation. It can be done by reading a book, taking a shower, or taking time off from social media.

Try to learn something new

Because being stuck at home doesn’t mean you’ll stop doing ways to improve yourself. Now that you’ve got plenty of time, why don’t you try to learn a new language or follow that recipe you’ve been saving? Getting invested in a new hobby or skill takes your mind off things that might make you anxious or worried. (According to a study, people with hobbies are less likely to suffer from low mood, depression, and stress.)

Work on your breathing

Because the anxiety is just too real from the news. Or the stress from work or school! When it gets overwhelming, try breathing exercises that will help you ease up. Here’s an easy video you can follow:

Just do something!

Stop focusing on the things that you can’t do or miss while on quarantine. They will just stress you out. Instead, focus on things you can control and do.  Convert your free time into something worthwhile and productive. Clean your rooms, play with your pet or start a small garden at home. It’s easy to forget the little things, and honestly, you deserve to unwind at times too.

Know that things will get better

Pandemics have come and gone throughout history. Instead of focusing on the increasing number of cases, why don’t you try to focus on the recoveries? A little change of perspective would make a lot of difference in this trying time. We may not know when this pandemic will end but we believe that this too, shall pass. Hang in there!

What are your favorite self-care activities? Tell us below!