In California and throughout the United States as a whole, cases of COVID-19 have continued to decline. After well over a year, reintegrating into the world fully is becoming a possibility as long as we remain cognizant and take it one step at a time. So, how can you take care of your mental health at this time?
Mental Health And COVID-19
Research shows a number of mental health implications that have occurred as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. These include but aren’t limited to:
- Grief and loss
- Insomnia (sometimes nicknamed covid-somnia)
- An increase in the number of people experiencing symptoms or feelings of anxiety
- An increase in the number of people experiencing symptoms or feelings of depression
The coronavirus pandemic is a collective trauma. No one is immune to struggling with mental health, and it’s important to pay attention to all elements of your wellbeing no matter who you are.
Tips For Taking Care Of Your Mental Health Post-Pandemic
Here are some ways to take care of your mental health as the world reopens and we collectively begin to reintegrate:
Push Yourself To Do What You Love
Enjoyment matters. Engage in and set aside time for activities you enjoy, whether that’s art, a sport, writing, music, or something else. If you aren’t finding pleasure in activities you’d typically enjoy or are having trouble engaging in said activities, make sure to talk with a medical or mental health professional who can help.
Use What You’ve Learned To Your Advantage
Many people express that the silver lining they found throughout the pandemic was that they learned more about themselves. If you learned something new about yourself over the course of the pandemic, apply that to your life now. Maybe, you learned that something you were doing pre-pandemic wasn’t working for you, or perhaps, you started to understand and come to terms with an aspect of who you are as a person. Examples of this may be that you’re more introverted or extroverted than you previously thought, that you’re someone who thrives when they go to bed early, that you feel best when you spend a lot of time outdoors, or something else. Reflect on what you’ve learned and think about what you can do moving forward to stay true to yourself and embrace who you are.
Maintain Your Boundaries
If there are boundaries that you put in place during the pandemic, or if the pandemic forced boundaries that ended up being advantageous to you, you don’t have to drop them now. An example of this might be that you do not like it when people drop by unannounced. Another example might be that you do not like to drink alcohol. Now that bars are opening up and more people are becoming vaccinated, let’s say that friends start stopping by and that people start inviting you out to bars. You don’t have to drink or let people stop by unannounced. If you have a boundary that is helpful for you and your mental health, it’s more than okay to express it. Those who care about you will respect your needs.
Spend Time Connecting With Others
Social relationships are vital to our mental and physical wellbeing. Whether you’re vaccinated and comfortable meeting up with friends face-to-face or opt to catch up with people virtually, nurturing healthy social relationships is a positive step to take for your mental health. Remember to check in with the people who matter most and schedule time with them. Don’t be afraid to open up about how you’re feeling in the process. It can be hard to talk about how you feel, but it’s often a path to a sense of connection with other people.
Use Self-Care
Self-care is always crucial, but when things get tough, it can be more difficult to remind yourself to do it. Things like maintaining a healthy sleep schedule, taking any vitamins or medications you’re prescribed regularly, and so on, can make a serious difference in how you feel. Self-care looks different for everyone. Perhaps, you find going to a specific exercise class or meditating on a regular basis is helpful for you. Check in with yourself and see if there’s something you can implement into your routine as a self-care practice that makes you feel good.
Learn Positive Self-Talk
Positive self-talk is a game-changer. After all, the way that you talk to yourself matters. Using positive self-talk can help you combat negative thoughts and beliefs about yourself, work through problems, navigate situations with confidence and a steady sense of self, and so much more. If positive self-talk is something that you struggle with, or if you’re struggling with any other elements of reintegrating into the world post-pandemic, such as setting boundaries or facing nerves that you can’t seem to shake, consider speaking with a therapist or counselor. Therapy can help you navigate this time, be kind to yourself, and work through any challenges related to mental health, relationships, grief, or anything else that’s on your mind.
Find A Therapist
If you’re seeking the support of a therapist or counselor, there are a number of ways to find it. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company or visit their website to see who they cover near you, search the web, or sign up for a reputable online counseling platform with licensed providers like MyTherapist. Online therapy is often more affordable than traditional in-person counseling in the absence of insurance, and MyTherapist makes it fast and easy to sign up and get started. You can also find a variety of articles and advice on the website: https://www.mytherapist.com/advice/. Regardless of how you find a therapist, you deserve to thrive, so don’t hesitate to reach out and begin the process today.
Feature photo by Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
