6 mental health friendly quarantine tips 🌟
1) Change activities throughout the day.
They don't have to be 'big' things, it's ok if you don't have the capacity to do a lot right now. But switching activities from watching TV to drawing for example or walking around/sitting in the garden, or even just making a cup of tea can help stop that strange lethargic feeling (you know, the 'ugh I've done nothing today') or sometimes disassociation that can happen if you're just doing one thing by yourself for a long time.
So when your thoughts try and tell you've done nothing, you can go actually no, I've done enough.
2) Count the small victories
Try not to get stuck in the thought of not 'achieving enough'. If you made it through the day, congratulations, you've achieved something. When I was in my worst stages of isolation, I would make a list at the end of each day of my achievements. For example: messaged a friend, did some colouring, brushed my cat, made myself a cup of tea, found a new TV show that I like
3) Reconsider what it means to be 'productive'.
I don't know your personal situation; it may well be that you have commitments you will still need to fulfill right now. But it's easy, especially with all the stuff we can see online or what we think others are doing, to have very high standards for ourselves and all we 'should' be doing. Often, these things may not be as important as we think.
Depending on your circumstances, it could be worth making a list of your current 'obligations' and considering which are really essential and which are things you feel you 'should' be doing but which you could afford to set aside for a bit. For example, taking care of your child, feeding the dog or doing that work from home is probably not negotiable (I don't know your situation, maybe someone can help you or you can get some support) but 'mastering' that new skill, starting that new regime... (whatever it is people who aren't chronically ill usually do idk).. if you don't have the space for it right now and it can afford to wait, consider if it really belongs on the priority list for now.
4) Sometimes you will do things just for the sake of passing the time. And that's ok.
There doesn't have to be an 'end goal'. You don't have to be good at it. Sometimes you will do things just for the sake of having something to do, and there is no shame in that. Remember that stress is really tiring. You might find you're getting tired even if you don't think you're doing lots. Don't beat yourself up.
5) Find things that absorb you. You know, those things you do for no particular reason. Don't put any pressure on these things. Some of my favourites:
Researching a random topic
Learning/playing a card game
Reading comics (if you don't have any, you can find webtoons online and I will also post some links to free comic sites later on)
Watching a TV series or favourite film
6) Keep talking to people.
It's ok to be scared, but don't keep it all to yourself. Talk to friends on the phone or through video chat if you can, or connect with online support groups. Even just joining chats about your favourite band or show can help with feeling less lonely (of course be sure to practice online safety, there are always strange people even in nice parts of the internet. Check that apps or sites are moderated and have safety measures in place, and check with someone you trust if you're not sure)
Headspace (currently offering free content due to Coronavirus)
Nextdoor (connect with neighbours and locals, lots of people are offering help on there)
For Kpop fans: Vlive, Weverse
gamechangershow
germansingergirl
amandla
kianamaiart
gracieabrams
2087
