7 things you can do to help your mental health during the COVID-19 corona virus

 

Things have a way of changing very quickly and we don’t always have a choice, but to adapt. And embrace our new circumstances, challenging as they might be. We don’t always have a choice in the matter, but we can always choose how to respond. We can either shrivel down and become fearful and reactive or we can embrace the situation as it is and keep our hearts open and tender, believing in a better tomorrow.

And there is always a better tomorrow. Even if you can’t believe in one now, even if you can’t envision it, trust that there’s a better tomorrow.

As for now, we can choose to spend this time to cultivate what matters, to tend to what’s truly important in our lives. To look within and cater to parts of ourselves that are sometimes left neglected.

Here are some suggestions of hobbies and habits that will hep you navigate times of uncertainty:

1. Exercise

Move your body in ways that feel good to you. You don't need any fancy equipment or a gym membership, just move your body in ways that feel good to you. We all carry tension and you want to let it move through your body, instead of letting it build up - that’s not good for you physically, or emotionally.

 



2. Meditate

Just do it. Seriously. It’s not mystical, it’s not fancy, it’s not woo woo. It’s just a “mental workout” for your brain. And we all need to fortify ourselves fully right now.



 





3. Rest

Without guilt, without remorse. Have deep restful sleep and take breaks during the day. You are a human being, not a human doing and taking breaks is only going to help you be more focus, active and productive.

Dog on couch yawning watercolor paintings Flavia Bennard

4. Set clear boundaries

It’s always useful to have boundaries around what we allow and don’t allow in our lives. If keeping up with the news is too triggering right now, make sure to filter the kind of information you choose to consume and let others know about it, so they can respect your limits.



5. Sit with your feelings

This is something that seems so obvious, yet it is one of the hardest things to do. We spend an inordinate amount of time “busying” ourselves or numbing to the point where we don’t know how to feel. But the irony of it all is that no matter where you go, there you are. This is the perfect time to learn to be with our feelings, which in times like these, might not be the most pleasant ones. It can be quite frightening to really feel our emotions, but this is not about wallowing. It’s about feeling and truly processing our emotions so we can be less reactive and more compassionate, present beings.



6. Mind your mind

Our minds are wild beasts and they travel fast and hard. We can go into worst case scenarios and catastrophizing in a split second, but if all worrying is thinking, why not choose to think better thoughts? I know it’s not that simple and that’s why number 2 and number 5 are so important. Just be mindful of the direction your thoughts are going and reign them in back to the present.



7. Mind your physical surroundings

Our spaces have a direct influence on the way we feel and can affect us without us even noticing. Keep your space clean and uncluttered, make it pretty and make it feel cozy and inviting to you. Little luxuries like fresh flowers, plants, candles and artwork make all the difference.


gallery wall flower paintings Flavia Bennard


Are you willing to give any of these ideas a try? Is there anything you find soothing or grounding in times of change? Let me know in the comments section below - I’d love to hear your thoughts.



P.S.: Here's a bonus video with 7 other peaceful hobbies and habits to help you navigate times of uncertainty:





Looking for a project for your home? How about creating a beautiful gallery wall? Click the image below to download a guide with different layout ideas.


  1. Gallery Wall Starter Kit 


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