Maintaining mental health has been especially hard during this ongoing pandemic. Between keeping yourself safe and making sure your family and friends are safe, things are constantly changing. And it can be super hard to keep up and furthermore, keep adjusting.
According to the Mayo Clinic, surveys show a major increase in the number of U.S. adults who report symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia during the pandemic. Some people have increased their use of alcohol or drugs, thinking that can help them cope with their fears about the pandemic. In reality, using these substances can worsen anxiety and depression.
I know for me, I have struggled a bit during the pandemic. The uncertainty of Bear’s future in school, lack of seeing friends and family in-person, and also caring for family members who had Covid and are dealing with long Covid.
While I love a good bottle of wine, I also found myself drinking a whole more than I did pre-pandemic and it started to concern me. I decided to not completely eliminate my alcohol intake, but to severely limit it. I also decided to do more healthier activities to keep my mind focused during this ongoing pandemic.
I began to exercise more, drink a lot more water, and cook at home more often, saving me a ton of money. I also limited how much time I spent on social media and how much news I consumed on a daily basis. It’s worked wonders.
While I’ve shared a lot of great tips, I also encourage you that if you are struggling, please seek therapy and treatment. There’s always a solution to your issues.