Social Distancing is in effect across the country and around the world, keeping people in their homes away from friends, family, and loved ones. How do you prioritize mental health when everything is different? Rosemary Magaña, LCPC, at Adelante Wellness recently collaborated with Peer Health Exchange for an Instagram Live to discuss good mental health hygiene while social distancing. Below are a few takeaways from her session on managing your mental health during COVID-19.
1. Practice Self- Awareness and -Reflection
Take a moment to reflect and understand how you are when you’re stressed. Do you get forgetful or clumsy? Do you forget to take care of yourself physically or become tired and irritable? It’s important to recognize the way you act under stress, so you know when it’s time to relax. Also, it’s important to know what you like to do to relax—reading, writing, and exercise can all be great stress relievers.
2. Aim for Self-Compassion
This is a very emotional time we are in, and you should allow yourself to be emotional. Self-compassion allows you to take time to grieve, cry, or be frustrated, and then begin to move forward. It is okay to feel these emotions, it’s only natural. You shouldn’t beat yourself up for feeling this way nor should you self-deprecate. You should be compassionate to yourself as if you were your own best friend.
3. Create and strengthen a health community
Even as you are participating in social distancing, you can still be connected to other people. There are many websites, apps and video games that allow you to be connected virtually. This may not be the same as being together physically but you can still socially interact and have fun online. This allows you to connect with the people you care about so you can focus your mind on other things when needed.
Check out the full Instagram Live hosted by Rosemary Magaña, LCPC, and treat yourself to the guided mediation at the end.