We are going through a very difficult situation right now. We have been compelled to stay at home quarantine to minimize the spread of the outbreak caused by the coronavirus ( COVID- 19). Social distancing can play an important role in preventing the spread of this infectious disease. Besides the uncertainty and stress, this lockdown can have major impact on our mental health. This exceptional standstill condition of our social life is taking a toll on our mental well being. To fight anxiety and frustration caused due to social distancing, we can engage ourselves in various activities. There are so many indoor activities for kids but adults also need to take care of their mental health in this crisis. So here are some great tips to take care of your mental health during this coronavirus lockdown to fight depression.
TOP 10 TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR MENTAL HEALTH:
1. LISTENING TO MUSIC:
We all know that music is a great mood booster. Oxytocin and Serotonin levels increase in our brain when we listen to music. Oxytocin is responsible for calmness, positivity and stress relieving. Serotonin is responsible for uplifting our mood. Different types of music have different effects on our brains. The soothing effect of classical music helps us to be relaxed and stress-free. Listening to music while doing our daily chores can motivate us and give the inner strength to remain charged up for the whole day.
2. BEING CREATIVE:
Set free the imagination and let it fly on the wings of creativity. To break the monotony of quarantine life, exploring our creative side is an excellent idea. By indulging in any art, be it painting, designing, sewing, knitting or making any craft, we can lower our stress hormone level. To distract our thoughts from everything happening around us, we can engage ourselves in painting. Paper, cardboard, glass, wooden object or any fabric – we can paint on so many things. Crafts provide recreation, satisfaction and a positive attitude. We can boost up our creativity in this period as nothing can energize our soul like our own creation of art.
3. READING BOOKS:
Books help us to reduce stress and anxiety. By selecting a book that is enjoyable to us we can escape ourselves into another world where there is no stress and uncertainty of this global outbreak. According to a study, up to 68% of our stress can be reduced by reading.
4. WATCHING MOVIES:
To take a respite from this alarming situation watching movies or web series is a great option. Enjoying movies with all the family members can boost anyone’s mood instantly. We can travel to a different time and place and concentrate on that moment only by watching a movie. May be for a short time, but we can escape into another world from the problems of our lives. Funny movies make us laugh and we become relaxed.
5. UPGRADING CULINARY SKILLS:
In our regular busy lives, we can not get enough time to incorporate innovative ideas into our cooking. If we want to upgrade our culinary skill a little bit this is the ideal time. Though we have to be extra cautious about our health now, at the same time we can not deny the fact that good food is a prerequisite of good mood. If we engage our children with us sometimes while preparing the meals, the whole process will be enjoyable.
6. PRACTICING YOGA:
The role of Yoga in taking care of physical and mental health is undeniable. By practicing Yoga regularly we can fight stress, anxiety and depression caused due to this lockdown. It has been suggested that Yoga lowers the impact of stress on the immune system. It can increase feelings of emotional and spiritual well being by decreasing anxiety immediately. A yoga session in the morning with all the family members including seniors and kids can be very beneficial to improve mental health. It will help to keep ourselves active the whole day. Simple exercises with kids would elevate the mood and help to strengthen the bonding.
7. ENGAGING IN HOBBIES:
In our busy daily routine, we can not get enough time to pamper ourselves. Besides taking care of our personal health and beauty, we can engage ourselves in our hobbies in leisure time. Singing, dancing, reading, gardening or playing musical instruments – pursuing own hobbies gives us the relaxation which will make us forget the struggle.
8. PLAYING INDOOR GAMES WITH KIDS:
Spending quality time with kids is the greatest stress reliever for everyone. Playing board games like chess, checkers, scrabble, monopoly or anything available at home will keep the kids as well as adults busy and relaxed.
9. STAYING CONNECTED:
In this crisis, we have to stay connected with our family members and friends always via technology. Mental support from our loved ones will help to fight depression. Sharing thoughts and comforting one another in this tough time is necessary to own the battle. We should call our parents or other family members who are away from us to take care of each other’s mental health during this lockdown.
10. MANAGING TIME EFFECTIVELY WITH e-LEARNING:
Many people are getting bored staying at home or facing mental stress and depression because of being in lockdown. They can provide online training to students or can upgrade their skills by joining online classes. As schools, colleges and all educational institutions are closed due to lockdown, e-learning is keeping everyone busy with video lectures, worksheets and assignments.
However, it is very much important to keep a positive attitude in this lockdown period. We have to accept that there are some conditions over which we have no control. We have to eat healthy meals to keep us physically fit. And to be mentally relaxed and stress- free, we have to follow some relaxation techniques.
Renee
April 10, 2020 at 4:00 pmThank you for this! I feel like my family has good days and bad days. I love these tips
Olufunke
April 10, 2020 at 4:30 pmI’m going to add upgrading my culinary skills to the ones I have already. The rest has been great but some days it feels as if staying home is the actual stress.
admin creativecorner4u
April 10, 2020 at 5:16 pmRight… But we are helpless. Take care !!!
admin creativecorner4u
April 10, 2020 at 5:14 pmThank you Renee. Take care !!!
Bridgette
April 11, 2020 at 12:10 amThese are such basic ideas but for some reason so hard to remember when your stressed! Having them written like this is so helpful! Thanks!
admin creativecorner4u
April 11, 2020 at 9:08 amThank you Bridgette !!! Happy to help..
Rachel
April 11, 2020 at 12:34 pmGreat tips! Thank you for the reminder and new ideas!
admin creativecorner4u
April 11, 2020 at 1:21 pmThank you. Happy to help..Take care..
Sierra Albis
April 11, 2020 at 12:38 pmGreat ideas! I have definitely been feeling the stress of all this lately. Sometimes you forgot of things to do, or to practice some self care and focus in on our own wellbeing. Thanks for the great read!
admin creativecorner4u
April 11, 2020 at 1:20 pmWe all are facing more or less stress these days, Sierra !!! Take care !!!
Mary-Vivian
April 11, 2020 at 12:40 pmGreat read, thanks for the tips!
admin creativecorner4u
April 11, 2020 at 1:18 pmThank you!!
nicole p
April 11, 2020 at 12:56 pmthis is great, its so important to take time for self-care right now!
admin creativecorner4u
April 11, 2020 at 1:18 pmThank you!!! Take care!!!
Manju SM
April 11, 2020 at 1:44 pmUpgrading culinary skills! Thats something everyone I know says they are doing. After all we need something to be positive about at this time. Nice Post
admin creativecorner4u
April 11, 2020 at 2:25 pmThank you…
Sloan
April 11, 2020 at 3:15 pmI agree mental health is so important right now!
admin creativecorner4u
April 12, 2020 at 3:04 amyes. Many of us facing depression.
Dewanna
April 13, 2020 at 12:19 pmThese are great tips! My daughter is currently the UNO queen in our house. I plan to come back for the title today lol
GV Caplas
April 13, 2020 at 12:42 pmHealthy tips, especially, during times like this! 🙂 Thanks
sankhamala
April 14, 2020 at 12:35 pmhappy to help …
Sarah Styf
April 13, 2020 at 1:23 pmRunning (but keeping my distance) and writing have kept me sane throughout all of this. I need to do more reading because it makes me happy but I’m having a hard time focusing for long enough.
sankhamala
April 14, 2020 at 12:34 pmthanks for sharing your experience !!!
Adriane
April 15, 2020 at 3:50 amWe are doing these all! I am enjoying the extra downtime but also am going crazy at the same time!
sankhamala
April 16, 2020 at 2:51 pmthank you..take care !!!
Stephanie
April 15, 2020 at 9:59 pmThis is a great list. I like the idea of being creative. I seem to forget that one. 😀 Yoga is one of my favorite!
sankhamala
April 16, 2020 at 2:49 pmthank you.
Beth
April 16, 2020 at 2:29 amGreat tips for this hard time! Thanks for sharing!