With the unprecedented changes that have accompanied COVID-19 it is understandable that with mandated isolation many of us are unsure what to do with ourselves. Additionally, there are many looming questions about current events that may cause alarm or create feelings of suffocation. Such as; When will life be back to normal? What is normal? Will I ever get over these overwhelming emotions?
With the onset of COVID-19 many individuals have had overwhelming amounts of personal time. Also, many of us have found ourselves feeling isolated. After all, we have been cooped up in side away from the rest of the world, friends, and even family. You are not alone with these feelings. Many others are experiencing the exact same thing. According to the Washington Post, in a recent study, a spike was found in feelings of anxiety and depression. This change has occurred since the COVID-19 outbreak. Approximately fifty percent of individuals have reported the current situation has influenced their mental health.
Through this difficult time it is perfectly understandable to feel how we feel. All feelings are okay! Therefore, we should allow ourselves to experience these feelings without stigma. Psychcentral identifies eight ways to feel our feelings in a positive light, I will summarize them for you here:
8 Ways to Manage Feelings During Quarantine
- Spend time in silence, take a moment to let go of everything around you, and focus on yourself.
- Observe your experience. Take a look outside and notice everything around you. Take note of how you are reacting be it mentally or emotionally.
- Be mindful of the things you tell yourself. If you find yourself feeling negatively- switch your focus onto how to change that into a positive feeling. Try to avoid drawing attention to the negative feelings.
- Limit screen time activities. Instead of spending all day on your phone or using any other electronic device try doing something different. Reading a book, spending some time gardening, or doing other DIY projects could be fun and take your mind off things. Find something you enjoy doing and continue working on it to make it a personal growth project.
- Be playful and move your body! Take part in activities such as light exercise, or walking your four-legged friends can be extremely beneficial. Keeping your body moving allows for relaxation and distraction giving way to positive thoughts.
- Journal your feelings. Regardless of filling out an entire page in a dedicated notebook or a quick memo on your phone. Noting how you are feeling and when you are feeling it is a positive mental exercise.
- Speak to loved ones, family and friends, or even a furry companion. You can’t go wrong. Take the time to talk about your feelings and confide in someone. This is a wonderful thing. Often this form of communication can lead to positive feelings.
- Look for guided help, we may be unable to physically find professionals, but we can do a quick google search and find local help. Be it therapists, doctors, or any other wellness providers.
In conclusion, the important thing I wish for all of you to take away from this post is that we are not alone. We are all in this together and can rely on our family members, friends, and mental health professionals for support.