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Health and Wellness

Mental Health Tips For Staying Sane During COVID-19

Three ways to improve your mental health and feel calm during this global pandemic.

Monique Mendez

Apr 20, 2020

University of Central Florida

478

Mental Health Tips For Staying Sane During COVID-19

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These uncertain and confusing times can make anyone start to feel a range of emotions. From annoyance to irritability, sadness to boredom, there is no label for what we should be feeling. To better manage your emotions in these new circumstances, here are three mental health tips to keep you sane during a global pandemic.

Practice Meditation

I have recently started practicing meditation and it has really helped me during this time. Meditation is the practice of being mindful of your day-to-day activities. I have found that taking the time to breathe and do guided meditations can help me feel calm, even when I'm not doing any stressful activities like homework. Meditation is great to practice before a final exam or homework assignment. That way, you can feel more relaxed going into the work and relieve stress. Additionally, doing a guided meditation or breathing exercises during stressful situations can clear your head and keep you grounded.

Savor the Moment

I recently learned the practice of savoring. This means holding onto a moment in which you felt happy or being mindful of a situation that you are currently in. For example, as I walked around my neighborhood – one of my favorite ways to get out of the house while social distancing – I took in the sounds and sights around me. It was a great way to enjoy the moment and clear my mind of any distracting thoughts.

Savoring also works to recall memories that make you smile. Putting yourself back in a happy situation will boost your mind and remind you of great moments in life.

Focus on Gratitude

Gratitude is always talked about to increase mental health, but what is it exactly? This simply means taking some time from your day and saying thank you for what you have and the amazing things you have been given.

The things you are thankful for can be tangible or intangible. You can be thankful for your home, a tangible item, or your health, an intangible item. Think deeply about gratitude and you will find more to be thankful for than you would have thought previously.

Overall, these confusing and uncertain times can make us hide in bed all day rather than facing responsibilities like school or remote work, if applicable to you. However, your mental health should never be jeopardized or cast aside. It is valuable and can be maintained with these practices.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Mental Health Tips For Staying Sane During COVID-19

Three ways to improve your mental health and feel calm during this global pandemic.

Practice Meditation

Savor the Moment

Focus on Gratitude

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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