Taking care of your mental health during Quarantine

The coronavirus pandemic is the defining global health crisis. At present it is one of the greatest challenges that we have ever faced. Currently, we are facing the second wave of this pandemic. Symptoms of this disease show up in people within two to 14 days of exposure to the virus. Affected people have to quarantine themselves to stop the virus from spreading onto other people. During quarantine, it is important to look after your mental and physical health. You can take care of your mental health during quarantine making a few small changes to your routine and lifestyle.

Practice relaxation techniques: Practices that promote relaxation such as prayers, and also some types of yoga may reduce stress and improve feelings of self-worth and connectedness. You may also try other relaxation or mindfulness techniques to help improve sleep.

Breathing Exercises: Breathing exercises are a great way to keep your mind clear and to help you stay relaxed at home. You can use the Wim Hof Method. For practicing this method here’s the process included.

Sit in a comfortable position and take 30 quick but deep breaths. You should inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth each time. After you complete the 30 breaths, take one final deep breath, hold until you need to breathe in again, and then exhale. After that you inhale again as deep as one can and hold it for 10 seconds. Repeat as many times as one like (typically do 3 rounds).

Writing: If you have a little bit of habit of writing, you can expressing your feeling by taking note of what you are going through to pass some time during quarantine. This note also helps anyone cope with stress, trauma, and unexpected life developments like the sudden quarantine.

Extracurricular activities:  Almost all people pass their leisure time by doing some extracurricular activities like singing, drawing, cooking, watching movies etc. During this quarantine to keep your mental health positive, you can try these.

Minimize newsfeeds: Try to reduce excessive watching, reading or listening to news that makes you feel anxious or distressed. Seek the latest information at specific times of the day, once or twice a day if needed. 

Physical exercise:  To improve your mental health, you can exercise regularly. You can practice some free hand exercise for a healthy body and mind.

Meditation: The health benefits of meditation and mindfulness can alleviate stress and improve your ability to heal. As a result, meditation is always a great activity.

Communicate: Staying in contact with friends and family by phone and text is important. Reach out to others on various social media. If possible, join a support group or discussion board specifically for people who are in quarantine.

Ignore negative thoughts: Just because we’re thinking something, doesn’t always mean it’s true. When you notice yourself worrying a lot, take a step back, and try to let your worries pass by without focusing on them too much.

Avoid alcohol:  It goes without saying that most of you being in school and still underaged should completely avoid alcohol in all circumstances. But for those of you reading, even if you are in an appropriate age and your religion allows the consumption of alcohol, avoid using it as a way of dealing with fear, anxiety, boredom and social isolation.