
- Write your thoughts down. Really – try it! Writing your fears, thoughts and anxieties down is a form of venting – something that we all need to do from time to time. Keeping track of your thoughts, when and how they progress, and what your fears are may also help you better communicate to family, friends or a therapist about your needs.
- When you're stuck in a negative thought spiral, write down two good things. Writing down your favorite food, a joke or a name of someone who is important to you can help you focus on the things you value most.
- Self-care, self-care, self-care. Cake for dinner! Read a book! Believe it or not, drink a glass of water! Self-care can mean texting a friend, taking time to color in an adult coloring book or binge watching The Office for the eighth time. Whatever it is – make sure your mental health is a priority.
- Embrace the hobbies that you never had time for before quarantine. LEGOs, puzzles, learn to knit, watch makeup tutorials on YouTube, make a Tik Tok video (or make one with your kids!), do some cooking/baking, plan the itinerary for your dream vacation, listen to an audiobook while you sketch out that graphic novel you always wanted to make. Whatever it is that you enjoy but have never been able to prioritize, now is the time to do it!
- Try to stick to a daily routine or make a list of two or three attainable goals for the day. This could be something as simple as checking your mailbox or making your bed.
- Let yourself feel the way you feel. This is an upsetting situation so it’s ok to let yourself feel upset. Constantly pushing these feelings down can sometimes make them even stronger. There are times when you just have to let yourself feel these emotions and ride them out.
- Take a break from the news! This includes social media. Coronavirus news is endless and too much can be toxic to our mental health. Disconnect for a bit and give your mind some time to recoup.
- Connect with others— Call, text, or even write a letter. Maybe Skype with a friend and watch a movie together, or group chat with your cousins over FaceTime.