Tips to Maintain Mental Health While in Isolation

The COVID-19 pandemic has dragged on for more than one year. By now, many people feel lonely and depressed. Here are some tips on how to cope with isolation. If your despair, loneliness or sadness doesn’t improve within two weeks, Brevard Health Alliance offers care for mental health symptoms.

1. Reach Out Remotely

Increasing your number of social interactions could reduce your sense of isolation.[1] If you’re vaccinated, you may be able to visit with others while maintaining social distancing. When gathering in person isn’t an option, set up Zoom or Google Hangout meetings. Make a video call. Brevard Health Alliance offers care for depression if your feelings of loneliness persist.

2. Care For Yourself

Develop good habits to improve mental health. Eat well, and exercise daily.[2] Listen to music. Engage in a creative or physically active hobby. Pet a dog, or sit outside in the sunshine. Shower, do your hair and get dressed in appealing clothes. These self-care activities will help you feel better about yourself.

3. Follow a Routine

A daily routine is an excellent part of a mental health maintenance plan.[3] You don’t need a complicated routine. Yours might include waking up, stretching, making breakfast, working, taking 30-minute walk, preparing dinner, reading for one hour and going to bed. Your wake-up time and bedtime should be the same every day.

Remember that the isolation won’t last forever. Improved vaccination rates and other health measures will make it possible to eventually return to in-person events. For now, technology, self-care and humor can help you with the management of mental health during the crisis of COVID-19. For more mental health tips, contact Brevard Health Alliance today.

References:

[1] https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation

[2] https://publichealth.tulane.edu/blog/effects-of-social-isolation-on-mental-health/

[3] https://mhanational.org/creating-healthy-routines