Leaving the house and being social is often suggested as a way to stay mentally healthy, but sometimes, that is not possible. What is someone with depression or anxiety to do when she has to take social distancing measures? Here are 14 tips to help you get through these challenging times:
- Go outside. If the weather is nice, take a walk around the block or to a park. Just stay away from other people, and you can still soak in the sun and fresh air.
- Exercise. Exercise can release all of those feel-good hormones that you need. It’ll also make you feel accomplished and proud of yourself.
- Keep to a routine. Your routine won’t look like it used to, but make a new one and stick to it. If you can, make it look as much as you can to your old one. For example, if you used to always shower and get dressed in the morning, keep showering and dressing in the morning.
- Do what you enjoy and gives you pleasure. Watch a marathon of your favorite show. Read a book by your favorite author. Participate in any hobby you have that doesn’t involve going out.
- Pray or meditate. If you are a spiritual or religious person, participating in religious practices can help center you and remind you of your higher power.
- Have your own dance party! Keep the music going throughout the day to keep you energized.
- Find a way to make someone else’s day better. Call a friend or family member. Send her a letter or card.
- Help a nursing home resident; the elderly are feeling especially secluded right now. Send a card to a nursing home resident. Visit a nursing home through the window (call ahead first so they know you’re coming).
- Shop for someone who is quarantined. Just leave the groceries outside of his door so you don’t come in contact with him.
- Take a virtual tour. Many museums and zoos, for example, have virtual tours you can take online.
- Gather virtually with your family and friends. There are tools like Facebook Messenger that allow you to talk to more than one person at a time via the camera on your phone or laptop.
- Learn something new. There are tutorials for just about everything on YouTube. Is there something you have always wanted to learn? Now is the best time to do it!
- Cook and bake. There is nothing quite as satisfying as putting together ingredients to make something new. If you can, share it with a neighbor, just leave it at her door and step back to see the smile on her face.
- Help a child. Talk to a child in your life virtually or on the phone. Help him with his homework, or teach him a new skill.