Try Not to Dwell
As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, I know it can be easy to focus on the wrong things and overwhelm yourself by doing so. Sitting at home doing nothing and reminding yourself of the things you can no longer do will only make you feel worse. If you find yourself dwelling, try and fill your time with some productive actions. A great way to help you get started is by making a physical list of 3 things at a time covering everything you’ve always wanted to do around your house and slowly one by one check them off. That feeling of checking each item off the list will not only help you feel accomplished but can help bring your life back in order enough to face the new world.
Try Something New
For many, trying new things is easier said than done but if you’re stuck at home in quarantine mode then what have you got to lose? Try following a Bob Ross painting tutorial or embracing your inner rockstar by taking up a new instrument. Buy an affordable tripod and join the world of influencers or YouTubers. If cost is your concern, there are always some budget-friendly options to help you out. Long & McQuade for example offers financing on everything in store so you can pay off your instrument in increments rather than straight out of pocket. Looking to educate yourself? Try something like the online learning community Skillshare. You can get a 2-month premium membership trial for free signing up using the link below!
https://join.skillshare.com/bd-bombay-create-from-home/
Ease the Consumption of THC Cannabis and Alcohol
Many may argue that both cannabis and alcohol can help relieve feelings of depression and anxiety, while this may be true for some, in reality, this feeling is only temporary and could be masking how you really feel. Continuing in the consumption of either has proven to increase the risk of causing/worsening symptoms of both depression and anxiety. According to anxietycanada.com, cannabis and alcohol can be easily turned to when looking for an escape or to relax and forget your stresses but in turn, this habit can turn into a vicious cycle. When ingested regularly, these substances can actually change your brain chemistry causing you to feel unmotivated, forgetful, overwhelmed, irritated, sad, and overall negative. If you like to partake in any of these actions but are suffering from mental health, try limiting yourself to consuming them at most once a week.
Practice Self-Love
In today’s world of social media and constantly changing societal norms, it’s easy to fall into the rabbit hole that is our insecurities. This affects everyone hard let alone those living with mental illness. A major thing we tend to forget about is ourselves and if you can’t show love to yourself then how can you truly be happy? Participating in activities such as yoga and meditation are incredibly effective ways of connecting with oneself and lowering levels of stress and anxiety. Aside from that, as frustrating as it may be, working out and following a healthy diet can drastically change the way you feel as a whole. Not only can it better your mood levels, energy levels, and unhealthy sleeping patterns, but it can also help maintain a healthy sex drive, fight the effects of aging, lower your risk for heart disease, and build you a strong immune system that will keep you feeling good and looking good. Lastly, if you’re looking for a more fun approach try taking on some physical care such as painting your nails, whitening your teeth, doing your hair, practicing makeup, etc. Whatever it is that makes you happy and makes you feel your best is what you should practice integrating into your daily life to show yourself that you are not only loved by others but loved by your own self too.
If you or anyone you know is suffering from mental health and feels lost in what to do, never keep it a secret. Confide your feelings to loved ones or reach out to the Canadian Mental Health Association at 416-646-5557 or if able, contact a therapist at Psychology Today and take the first steps to get better.