How to Boost Your Mental Health When Social Distancing Gets Tough

While social distancing is aimed to slowly help flatten the curve, it’s hard to deny that it has been a task to keep our mental health in check when we can’t have any personal interaction with our friends and family. Isolation forced us to stay inside our houses where there are little to no activities to do, which can trigger depression.

It is important to know how you can circumvent this situation since it is highly likely that we are going to be stuck with this set-up for some time. Here are worthwhile activities that can boost your mental health during this dire time:

Exercise

Working out has long been proven to aid you to stay in shape and keep the diseases at bay. However, it was also found to be a big help to your psychological wellbeing.

According to studies, by simply walking for 3.5 hours per day, you can drastically reduce your depression symptoms. However, given the complicated circumstance that we are in now, it may be silly to walk around your room or tiny apartment in circles for hours.

You also cannot go to the gym and, in some places, even jogging isn’t an option. On social media, plenty of trainers are offering coaching for free and you can just improvise with bottles of water or heavy books if you don’t have the equipment needed.

Avoid Victim Language

It’s hard to walk the talk but as much as possible, avoid negative language because it will affect your mental health. For example, instead of thinking that you’re bored and stuck at home, you can try to stay optimistic by focusing on the fact that doing this will somehow help flatten the curve faster.

This small change in your mindset may appear useless but it can actually improve your mental wellbeing. Remember why you are at home: to avoid getting sick and to prevent the coronavirus from spreading.

Find Positive Social Interaction Activities

One of the biggest reasons depression is triggered at this time is because we are isolated from the rest of the world. Unlike before when it was a choice, now we are left with no other options, lest we want to catch the virus.

Studies have shown that socialization is a big help to prevent anxiety and depression. But it’s not simply about talking with other people – that’s because you can do it anytime now with the help of technology.

It has to be a positive interaction. This means refusing to engage in arguments that will leave you at a heightened emotion.

Instead of venting out on a sensitive discussion that could trigger you, talk with friends and family online – an activity that can help you be in a good mood.