The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic hit and took the entire world by storm. It seemed as though everything about our world was changing almost daily. Watching the news became unbearable and social media felt extremely toxic and isolating. This time was and is hard for everyone, and people struggling with mental illnesses can feel especially alone right now.
Along with a global pandemic, systematic issues surrounding police brutality and racism that have existed in our country since its very founding are coming to light, and people are finally standing up for their black brothers and sisters. This movement is one we should all take very seriously and should by no means be ignored, but I understand how going on social media and watching the news is now harder than ever before.
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As someone who has struggled with anxiety and mental illness, I want the other people out there who are feeling very overwhelmed and helpless by everything they are seeing right now on the news and social media to know that they are not alone.
You cannot help the world if you are not okay.
Here are six things you can do every day to improve your mental health during the times we are in.
Put your phone down
While this is good for your mental health all the time, it is necessary to take breaks from your phone throughout the day. Put it down and spend your time off your phone educating yourself on these issues or simply taking a breath. Also, do not look at your phone first thing when you wake up. Give your body time to wake up and process the beginning of the day before heading straight onto Instagram. You will thank yourself later.
Read a good book
Whether the book is educational or just for fun, this is a great way to escape and be by yourself for a little bit. Here is a list of good books and articles to read to educate yourself, as well as a list of books about racism.
Exercise
I know exercising is not my thing, but as soon as I'm finished, I am so happy that I made myself do it and I feel much better. That extra endorphin release is something we could all use right now and will help to clear your mind of any negative thoughts you may be having.
Sleep
Quarantine messed up a lot of people's sleep schedules, mine included. According to Harvard Medical School, lack of sleep and declining mental health are directly related, so sleeping more and getting back into a schedule will really help to improve overall mood and health.
SEE ALSO: The Very Best Thing You Can Do For Your Mental Health Is Sleep
Write
This can include journaling your day, writing short stories or poems, or even writing down what you can see looking out your window. Writing is such a good outlet for so many people and can be the perfect place to channel all of the emotions you are feeling.
Take care of yourself
Don't go to bed without washing your face or brushing your teeth. Tidy up your room. Take a long bath or shower. Light your favorite candle. Neglecting yourself in this time will send you deeper into the bad emotions you are feeling, so it is very important to make sure you are taking care of yourself, in whatever way works for you.
It is now more important than ever before to make sure you are in the right headspace before you go off and begin to fight the world's battles. Every single issue in the news and on social media right now is extremely important and we should NOT be ignoring any of it, but if you need a few breaks from the outside world throughout the day, it is okay. You are not alone. I see you, I hear you, and I stand with you. All of you.
