Public safety measures intended to contain the spread of Covid-19 have had a detrimental impact on people’s social lives. According to a survey in May 2020 by the Canadian Alliance of Student Associations, 60% of post graduate students felt worried 70% felt stressed, isolated, or anxious. However, we have some tips that will make this a little easier for you.
1. Follow Trusted and Reliable Sources
While social media allows for spreading updates and information to a large number of people within a short amount of time, it can also be subject to misinformation intended solely for shock value. As a result, social media can actually become detrimental to your mental health at times.
Instead of browsing various articles, try following trusted and reliable sources for COVID-related news, such as the Canadian government website, the World Health Organization, John Hopkins University, and your local health unit.
2. Stay in Touch with Loved Ones
Keeping in touch with the people closest to you is essential to reducing the most severe negative impacts of the pandemic on your mental health, such as depression.
Especially as provincial and federal governments have begun easing public restrictions, there are now greater opportunities for face-to-face communication and interaction.
However, always remember to obey public health and safety guidelines, such as limiting gathering capacities, social distancing, getting vaccinated, and wearing a mask.
3. Stay Healthy
While it is easy for us to slip away from a healthy lifestyle during times of distress, keep in mind that physical and mental health go hand in hand, and can lead to a more positive mindset. As the pandemic has increased our time online, alongside this arise new opportunities.
There are plenty of videos and articles online that provide healthier alternatives and substitutes for your favorite foods. Trained dieticians, nutritionists, and lifestyle coaches have also expanded their online social media presence. A quick search on Youtube can yield plenty of results for simple exercises that can be done from the comfort of your own home.
4. Don’t Make Covid-19 the Topic of Every Conversation
While COVID-19 can understandably be the hot button topic of many conversations nowadays, constantly talking about it can worsen the negative psychological impacts of the pandemic on not only yourself, but also the people around you.
Sometimes, it is necessary to distract ourselves from everything that is going on by focusing on topics that are of common interest and that bring a more positive atmosphere. Think of movies and TV series that you have both watched, for example.