The pandemic continues, and with the numbers being higher than ever, it’s time to expect new lockdowns. Maybe you were planning on a Thanksgiving, and now that’s canceled. While vaccines are on the way, it will still be a bit until life is back to normal.
Winter is not a good time for this to happen, either. The days are growing shorter, the activities you can do outside are less and less, and this can lead people down some dark paths. From having an existential crisis to feeling so depressed you’re unable to move, it can be challenging.
However, there are some ways to fight back. These include:
Get Moving
Working out is a powerhouse for your mental health. It releases endorphins, which make you feel good, and it keeps you focused. Don’t just work out for weight loss, but instead work out for your mental health.
This can be challenging, as the outdoors are getting colder. Bundle up and get running. Run in a socially distant area. If gyms are shutting down, purchase some weights and work out with them. With Black Friday around the corner, consider ordering a treadmill.
Eat Right
It can be a challenge for you to eat right during this time of year, but it is something that must be done for mental health. Nothing is wrong with having the occasional snack, but don’t treat yourself all the time. Besides weight gain, eating unhealthy foods can have a negative impact on your mental health. If you tend to eat when you’re depressed, find something else to distract yourself. Alternatively, you may want to indulge on other foods that are healthier for you. Eat some dried cranberries instead of snacking on ice cream, for example.
Find Hobbies to Do
This year has made it hard to travel and do the things you like. That’s why it’s important for you to seek new hobbies. While you can’t travel internationally, why not learn a new language in the meantime? Alternatively, look for small gigs you can do online to make a little extra cash on the side.
If you’re unable to find any hobbies, why not do a quick search and pick something that seems remotely interesting? If you end up liking that hobby, great! If not, then at least you tried something new.
Practice Meditation
This pandemic has made it hard to focus on the present. We worry about our futures and regret our pasts. Maybe we start questioning our mortality, or regret not doing more last year.
While it’s okay to think about these things sometimes, focusing on them all the time is going to cause you to stop living your life. One way is to practice meditation and other mindful activities. This keeps you aware of the present and lets you live in the moment. When your thoughts race, just take a deep breath and try swatting that thought away like a fly. There you go.
Get Sleep
Another way to maintain your mental health is getting the right amount of sleep. The stresses of 2020 may keep you up at night. Alternatively, winter and depression can make you sleep too much. Getting the right amount of sleep allows your mind to work its best.
With that said, it can sometimes be hard to close your eyes and fall asleep. Sleep in a comfortable environment, and get out of bed should you have difficulties. Then, fall asleep only when you feel sleepy. Avoid anything that can stimulate your mind too close to bedtime. Finally, you should seek help from a doctor if you still can’t sleep.
Seek Help!
Finally, it’s important for you to speak to a mental health professional about any issue that you’re having. If your depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental issues are too severe, then seeking help from a therapist is your next step.
Online therapy has had a boost due to everything going on. If you are unsure of where you should go with online therapy, one place that’s worth starting at is Mind Diagnostics. You can get a proper diagnosis and then figure out where your treatment goes from there.
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Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health-related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with Mind-Diagnostics.org. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
