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Your Mental Health & Social Distancing

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With the recent outbreak of COVID-19, many people are in distress. The Prime Minister of Italy, Giuseppe Conte, imposed a national quarantine, and many other countries are soon to be in this phase. Social distancing is a popular recommendation by many physicians and federal/global health organizations, such as the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to combat the spread of this illness. We should use this time to our advantage, with our busy lives, to take care of ourselves. However, social distancing can lead to lots of spare time. Remember, even though it’s called “social distancing,” this does not mean you can’t still connect with your friends and family! Just connect with them through technology instead of in-person! This blog post will go over tips on how to keep yourself occupied during your isolation.

1) Start writing down tasks you have to do. Is there anything that has been on your mind but you haven’t had time to address? It could be some spring cleaning, exercising at home, painting your nails, or setting yourself some goals.

2) Begin to journal. Journaling is an extremely effective method in processing your emotions. It can also help ease any anxiety or tension you might be overcoming. Here are a few prompts to get to know yourself a little bit better:

  • Write a letter to your past self
  • Write a letter to your future self
  • Write about the best day of your life, hour by hour
  • Write about the nicest thing someone has ever told you
  • Write about what love means to you

    3) Talk to your loved ones. Social distancing does not mean that you have to cut time away from your favorite people. If anything, you have more time than ever to talk to them. Save some time each day to Facetime/chat with your friends and family.

    4) Experiment. This extra time can allow you to try learning a new skill. Begin reading a new book, learn how to play the piano, learn a new language, or just find a new recipe for dinner. This is your time to play with.

    5) Lastly, try some meditation. Meditation can reduce stress levels and help you feel a little more grounded during these unpredictable times. There are countless meditation apps that give a step by step tutorial for all levels. Smiling mind, Insight Timer, and UCLA mindful are all popular and free meditation apps.

    These times can be extremely difficult for everyone. A lot of people are feeling overwhelmed mentally and physically, and that is completely normal. Don’t think of this time as in quarantine, but as a time to stabilize. We all need a break now and then, and this can be the perfect opportunity to relax your mind and body, before jumping back into your routine.

    If your mental health issues worsen, feel free to contact these numbers.

    Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741 for a specialized crisis counselor
    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-274-8255 for any emotional support.

    Stay safe everyone, and make this your time:

    This blog was written by Harini, a Youth Advisory Council member.