COVID-19 has abruptly changed a lot about the way people live. Instead of going to work, traveling, or socializing, you stay safe at home. Whether you're sheltering in place alone or helping a family member with ongoing educational needs, quarantine can be extremely stressful.
In doing what you can to minimize the spread of COVID-19, it's important to pay attention to your own health as well as that of those around you. If you're struggling with your mental health under quarantine, you might have been already dealing with a mental health condition or you could be reacting naturally to the increased stress many people are now living with.
Even in quarantine, you're never alone. You can always reach out to All Day Medical Care Clinic for professional support, safely from home with telemedicine. Our experienced staff treats new and existing patients with a variety of mental health care needs.
Here, we share some suggestions for little things you can do at home during quarantine to protect your mental health.
Managing your stress matters for both your mental and physical health. You might not be able to remove or resolve sources of stress right now, so managing your tension is extra important.
There are several small habits and practices you can try to help you manage chronic stress. Everyone's needs are different, so be patient while you experiment with strategies to give you the emotional relief you need. You can try:
With all of the disruption to your daily routine, it can become easy to lose your bearings. If you're feeling mentally stressed, take time to ground yourself. A simple exercise of stimulating your five senses can help you find your footing again. Try to stimulate your senses of:
Your physical well-being makes a big difference in your mental state. As you adjust to new routines and places, you might find your physical health slipping. Each day, make sure you're taking good basic care of your physical health, and you'll start to notice positive results in your mood and mental wellness.
Are you staying up too late, sleeping only restlessly, or staying in bed into the afternoon? Disruption in your sleep cycle can cause or exacerbate mood-related issues like depression. Get enough sleep, and on a regular schedule, to restore your sense of wellness.
You might be eating differently than you were before, too. If you're not getting the right balance of nutrients, your mental health can suffer. Make sure you:
Regular exercise, whether at a home gym, on a yoga mat, or just on an afternoon walk, can also significantly improve your overall physical and mental wellness.
If you need support for mental or other health concerns, don't hesitate to contact All Day Medical Care Clinic right away. We're here to help. You can get in touch with a member of our compassionate and experienced care team by calling our Gaithersburg, Maryland offices, or using the link on this website.
