Staying Emotionally Strong During the Next Wave of COVID

What was originally considered a side issue to the COVID-19 pandemic has become a significant problem in its own right: mental health. And with the new variants spreading even faster, many people’s emotional health is likely to give way under the strain of continued restrictions and casualties of this virus. The best way to prevent yourself from succumbing to anxiety, depression, substance abuse, or other signs of emotional strain is to consciously maintain a healthy lifestyle.

To ensure that you are doing all you can to stay emotionally strong and resilient, consider following these tips:

Maintain a routine. When jobs and schools shifted to working from home, schedules were thrown into chaos — or at least significantly disrupted. In the absence of our old daily routines, many of us feel like an unmanned sailboat, subject to the winds of the day. The result? They struggle with anxiety, depression, or just being discombobulated.

By contrast, those who find ways to create a routine tend to feel more stable. So though you may resist being disciplined about creating a schedule, it can make getting through your days easier.

Get sufficient sleep. The importance of this simple advice cannot be overemphasized. Without enough rest, you are more likely to struggle in a multitude of ways, such as feeling anxious and depressed, having trouble thinking clearly, being more easily frustrated, and overeating. Your relationships are likely to suffer because navigating them can take more energy than you have.

Eat healthy. Even if you choose a diet of french fries and milkshakes, you already know this. Just remember that eating poorly is like putting bad gas in your car. You may get where you want to go, but your car will probably have difficulty starting up, idle roughly, stall, ping, and be less than efficient.

Exercise. Sitting around all the time can be a disaster for your mental health. If you are cooped up in your house more, it is especially important to exercise.

Get outside. If you have gone “stir crazy” staying in all the time, the best medicine for that is to get outside. If there is nature near you — a park, some grass, or lake — you may find that visiting it comforts and soothes your stressed body and soul. (If all else fails, at least look out a window to take in the greater world.)