Quarantine on the Mind

Quarantine on the Mind
Image of a woman with hands on her headLet’s be honest, we have all claimed that this quarantine is making us “go insane.” This self-quarantine has lasted over a month now, which according to many, is long enough. While you may not technically be going insane, there is no doubt that the isolation could definitely be taking a toll on your mental health. During these stressful times, your physical health is not the only thing you should be aware of. You should also be making sure that your mental health is not dropping drastically. The main stressors of this situation is boredom and the frustration and fear of not knowing what is going to happen next. While being stuck in the house all day every day, it could be very common for you to feel emotions such as loneliness, sadness, fear, anxiety, and stress.

These times are hard for everyone affected, although you may feel alone. According to the American Psychological Association, there can be great risks when it comes to self-isolation. It is very common to feel alone, even if you are surrounded by your family or the people that you live with. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of distressed mental health can be things like changes in sleep or eating patterns or difficulty sleeping and concentrating.

There are some simple and easy things to do to keep the stresses from taking over and turning your day into a bad one.

You can establish a routine. This will help you to not be as bored and give you less time to be stuck in your own head.

Reach out to others. Just a simple text or phone call to someone that you miss could help to put yourself in a better mood. Make sure to stay the recommended distance away from people and take proper precautions if you see friends or family in person.

Make sure to take care of your body. Keeping your body healthy is very helpful and a good way to keep your mind healthy as well. This would include eating healthy, staying hydrated, and staying active.

Take breaks from watching the news if that is the reason for your stress. It is better to keep yourself informed without being obsessed. Let yourself stay up-to-date with major events or updates, but try not to constantly watch the numbers go up and down.

Look for the positives. Remind yourself that if you keep a positive attitude, the time will go by faster.

Written by: Chloe Kness