I hope everyone considers mental health as well as physical health right now - take account of how you're feeling as well those around you. I realized earlier this week I was feeling a little down, so here are a few things I've done to help me cope...what has helped you?
Limiting my exposure to coronavirus news. I've muted keywords on Twitter and asked Slacks to limit discussion to a single channel. I watch the news every evening so figure I will get significant news there, or I look at the latest news when I feel mentally up to it.
Identifying things I'm gaining, not just losing. I'm pretty down because I didn't get to go to Zurich or Chicago this month. But I AM establishing healthy sleep habits, eating better, exercising regularly, and spending more time with my husband. I also have time to dig in at work
Planning low-risk things to look forward to, big or small. I'm going to bake cupcakes next week. I'm planning to go to a friend's for dinner later this month with just a few people. I'm going to finish reading a good book. These are different than usual, but this helps me cope.
Keeping up exercise. This is key for me to maintain good mental health, and I know that about myself. I'm still going to my gym, but my backup plan is to buy a rower if additional quarantine looks likely so I can work out from home. Having this plan makes me feel better.
Getting out of the house in low-risk scenarios. If I don't go to the gym, I'm just going for a walk or picking up lunch - anything to get out of the house, while not being around a lot of people, since I work from home and most travel has been canceled.
Admitting when I'm having a tough time and remembering it's okay to feel down because this is a LOT for the entire world right now. I'm trying to remember I can't shoulder the world' burden - I can have empathy for people while still protecting myself mentally and physically.
Realizing that life will eventually get back to normal. This should be temporary. Life is different now, but it will be okay, and eventually I will be able to return to the things I enjoy like travel.
