Can you believe it’s May already? The last few months have been interesting, to say the least, but if you’re reading this I’m assuming that you’re alive and well and I hope you are staying safe and healthy.

We’re all going through an uncertain time, and the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all of us one way or another. Even though social distancing is becoming our new normal day by day, let’s not forget that it can take a toll on our mental health; and we must do our part to stay sane and healthy.

There’s a lot going on in the world… there’s no doubt about that; and while we can’t control the virus and the other things, we do have the ability to control how we respond to certain things. if you’re feeling overwhelmed in this disquieting and untranquil time, please don’t underestimate the power of turning off the news, unfollowing certain people, or simply distancing yourself from any negativity. It’s important to always protect your inner peace and happiness!

Here are seven mental health tips to help you stay sane in the midst of this Pandemic:

1 – Get Dressed – Do your hair/makeup even if you’re not going out

Working from home or staying home 24/7 with no plans to go out doesn’t necessary require you to dress up and looking your best around the house. However in very chaotic times like this one, getting dressed up (even if it’s in comfort clothes) or doing your hair and makeup may help you feel less in a rut and be happier and more productive around the house.

Fix your hair, do your makeup, wear something that feels flattering or has a hint of glamour. It feels better to approach each day with a ‘Girl Boss!’ or ‘Get it, girl!’ attitude. It doesn’t matter if you’re only working from your couch; you deserve to feel strong and beautiful! It really affects your whole outlook.

2 – Eat or try new healthy recipes

Situations like self-isolation or quarantine most likely call for constant trips to the refrigerator. Who can blame you…? However, keep in mind that the more trips you make to the refrigerator, the more likely you are to gain a lot of weight at the end of this quarantine. This being said, instead of reaching for the quickest (and most likely unhealthy) snack, try to cook a variety of healthy food. Eating healthy is a great mind booster and we all know all the other benefits. Consider Pinterest, Youtube, food TV channels, recipe books… your best friends if you’d like to take this time to try new recipes.
You can even make this a fun social distancing challenge with your friends and love ones. 😉

3- Get Some fresh air

Even though we are asked to stay home in order to help in flattening the curve when it comes to the Coronavirus, getting some much needed fresh air every now and then may help in keeping our sanity. Let’s be honest here, we all need some fresh air after being stuck in the house, playing the different type of roles to kids from parent to math, history, art, or gym teacher! 😀

Getting some fresh air (even with your mask and gloves on) will help not feel so cooped up or “stuck” in the house… even if it’s just standing on the balcony or by the window for a few minutes.

4 – Be Creative

This is a perfect time to make a great use of your creative mind. Some of us are literally been forced to stay home, but this can be a blessing in disguise to people who often complain about not having enough time in the day to work on that side hustle or start that business. Use this time efficiently to work on that project you’ve been putting off for so long or start working on finding your calling or purpose in this life. Remember that potential has no limit and you can reach every goal you set out to achieve. Go for it! Have a spine! Strike your own path! Walk to the beat of your own drum; and have fun!

5 – Stay connected

A lot of things may have been canceled, but love, joy, kindness, compassion… and all those nice things that come from the inside of us are not canceled. If you feel like connecting with someone or a loved one, pick up the phone and make that call. Video chatting like zoom or facetime are some of the quick and efficient ways you can connect with someone without feeling so much of the self-isolation situation.

6 – Unplug

Everyone, everywhere, is talking about the virus. Every news outlet is reminding us about the virus and it’s damages every second. Turn off your devices and get some well-deserved rest or alone time. Read a book, take a long bath, do your nails… Do just about anything to get your mind relaxed; and remember, the number of Recovered outweighs by far the one of Deaths in all reported cases here at home and all around the world! 😉 There’s still hope yet, so stay positive, do your part, and rest. Newsflash: Doing your part includes taking good care of yourself! Indulge in that self care. Self care is very important for our mental health.

7 – Reach out

Although our world is in distress right now, there’s a beautiful thing happening. The coronavirus pandemic has brought a lot of people and things together. People, communities and countries all over the world are coming together to focus on one common problem. Which means we are in this together. Mental health is always an important subject, and even more so in this disquieting time, so please reach out to a friend, a loved one or call a mental health help hotline or visit this mental health hotline numbers and ressources to seek help. Also remember to check in with your friends and family. We’re in this together. Be kind and spread love!

Love & Light,

Edwige