7 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health During Quarantine

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Be Active

Exercising increases dopamine receptors in the brain and can be a worthwhile benefit to anyone's life. Maintaining an active lifestyle whether it be through, running, walking, or yoga will be an overall positive influence because it allows the body to be physically exerted and increases serotonin production while decreasing stress hormones. Instead of feeling stressed by the day and remaining sedentary, you will feel more alert and aware since exercising is a great outlet that increases overall well-being. When you physically exert yourself your mood will be altered and ultimately bolstered because you are placing yourself in a new and improved mindset. This mindset happens because of the increased levels of dopamine and it is actually proven that it can alleviate many symptoms such as anxiety and depression. So next time you are feeling in a negative mindset try a new physical activity that you find fun and watch as your mind is relieved of stress.  

Have a Daily Routine

Motivation is a key factor for anyone to obtain a happier lifestyle during quarantine. And what is more motivating than setting up your very own daily routine? A routine can be anywhere from setting up a skin care regimen before bed to unwind, to choosing a meal to have for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is a great way to create a set structure that becomes repetitive so that you can reach a new goal. If you love reading then set time allotted on that day to read and reach your goal of finishing a new book. Even better yet, tie being active into your daily routine. You can go on a morning stroll in your neighborhood and if you have a pet like a dog you can take your dog on the walk. If you are stressed from working then try to incorporate your daily routine around your job so that you can feel like you are reaching a goal each and every day. If you are stressed from lacking a job due to the pandemic, then finding ways to improve yourself by staying motivated and trying out a routine can bring you happiness.

Find a New Hobby

A hobby can be a great addition to anyone's lifestyle. This will keep your life fresh and spontaneous. Small doses of spontaneity can bring bursts of happiness so having a new hobby can bring you joy in your everyday life. A hobby can be anything from learning how to crochet to starting a new side hustle on Poshmark, or creating an Instagram to share your creative ideas. It doesn't have to be online or virtual though or be a way to make you money, it can simply be a way to destress. Watering a new plant that you have in your garden or harvesting those ripe red tomatoes you've been working on are hobbies that can both be relaxing and satisfying. A new hobby can not only bring happiness, but can also be rewarding. Try to find something that you find rewarding in your everyday life and you will be surprised at how time will fly by.

Virtual Gatherings

It has become increasingly difficult to be socially engaged during this pandemic, especially since it is not advised to be close to anyone and to maintain a socially distanced life. This can cause people to feel isolated. Hosting virtual gatherings are a fantastic way to reach out to friends and have fun while being safe. For instance, by going online with your friends on zoom not only can you chat and catch up on pleasant times, but you can also set up a way to play games together like through jackbox.com or many other free game and trivia sites. Setting up a weekly time to meet and play games with your family and friends is a sure way to bring you and your loved ones closer together. Another idea for an online gathering is to have a planned dinner or a socially distanced yoga session. Virtual gatherings can be surrounded around anything whether it be games, planned meals, or online get-togethers. They allow you to be social and enjoy some activities that you wouldn’t think possible during these times. 

Explore Nature

Setting some time to get outside and enjoy nature is essential especially in this pandemic. When you are constantly inside you will feel restless and eventually this may cause you to feel claustrophobic in your home. You may even feel overwhelmed by spending so much time with your family or loved ones and become easily irritated. When this happens it may mean that it is time for you to leave the house altogether and get some fresh air. Hiking is a great way to not only stay active, but to also maintain a safe distance from people while exploring nature. Going outside and enjoying the great outdoors will bring you joy because you are away from your home and the negative association you have with it, from feeling isolated inside. 

Save Funds

Having troubles saving money? Today may be the day that you could start saving your funds. We’ve all been bored before and spent our money on frivolous items. Now, having to stay inside all the time makes that temptation even greater. You could be wondering where all of your money goes. If money is stressing you out, it may be time to start investing. Investing can lead to financial stability and it can be fun to watch your money grow without doing anything but wasting time. If you invest just a little bit each month into a stock portfolio you will be surprised at how your money can grow. When your stock portfolio performs well, take out the additional money that was made and reward yourself for your hard earnings. This will allow you to feel rewarded while also saving your money at the same time. Another way to save money is to start a hobby by making new items you would otherwise be buying for a way higher price in store. For instance, if you are into fermentation, you can brew your own kombucha for way cheaper than if you bought it in a store. Having a new hobby that saves you funds will reduce the stress you have with your money and turn saving your funds into a fun new activity.

Minimalist Mindset

You will have a more positive lifestyle if you are able to enjoy and appreciate the simpler things in life. Having a minimalist mindset is an easy way for you to feel less stressed out. Letting go of things and not harboring all the resentment that comes from material possessions is an important lesson to learn. If amassing all those material possessions are actually causing a lot of unknown stress in your life, then it may be time to go through your stuff and throw out what is less important or frivolous. You may not even realize that the clutter and hoarding of items in your home is making you feel anxious. Cleaning up those items and letting go of what is there may be what you desperately need. For instance if you are known to shop online for clothing and amass tons of clothing in your closet, it may be time to donate most of your clothing to goodwill. Living a minimalist life will not only bring you happiness, but it will allow you to realize what you value as most important since you are only keeping the material possessions most significant to you. 

Staying mentally healthy during quarantine is important. So whenever you are feeling down during this pandemic do not feel alone and remind yourself that there always is a reason why. Remember to incorporate these seven factors into your life and you will feel the stress melt away. You will reduce the negative emotions that you are experiencing, which will lead to a healthier and more happier you.