Tips to stay calm and happy during COVID-19

Take the first step

Social isolation has found many of us with little to no motivation and in a state of doing “nothing”. However there are many things we can do during these tough times to keep us feeling productive and keep our moods elevated. Many of us have always wanted to try something new ,whether it's learning a new skill or forming a new habit. Thus, finding the willpower to start something will get you out of that low-energy state and will push you forward to try new things. 

Stay social 

While we are in lockdown for the safety of ourselves and others, this does not mean that we have to cut off social ties and reduce social interactions. It’s especially important during these times to have a great support system and to be there for one another. Therefore, there are still many ways to stay in touch with friends, family, and loved ones such as through messaging, emailing, sending letters or postcards and video chatting. You can even get creative with these virtual sessions! If you loved to talk with coworkers and friends during lunch breaks, you can set up “lunch break” video chats with them to talk about your day. You can even do fun online game or movie nights to keep up those fun weekend traditions. 

Get moving 

Physical activity is essential to improving your health and providing long-term health benefits. The great thing about exercise is that it comes in many different forms and you can choose the ones that work for you. Any form of activity, whether it being going for a walk or run, doing yoga, weightlifting, or playing sports, regulates your mood and increases your self-esteem. Furthermore, it can help regulate your sleeping patterns and allow for that very important mind-body connection to be made, which is crucial for mental agility and sharpness. 

Fuel your body 

Good nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle to ensure physical and mental health as well as reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Therefore, make sure that you are consuming a healthy diet filled with a sustainable mix of  macronutrients —proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—and smaller amounts of micronutrients—vitamins and minerals. 

Sleep well

Sleep is as important as exercise and nutrition, as it allows the body to heal and repair. A great way to ensure you’re getting enough sleep each night is to try sticking to a routine schedule (even on weekends). Tuning your circadian rhythm will aid your body function at its best because it will ensure better hormone regulation throughout the day, fewer mood swings, better alertness, and better hunger cue regulation. 

Keep a journal 

Getting a journal and writing down your thoughts, emotions, and daily events is a good way to look back on personal growth. It serves as a useful tool in finding ways to improve yourself on your thoughts and productivity.You’d be surprised at even the smallest changes in your daily attitudes and behaviours!

Make time for yourself 

With a busy schedule, taking time out for yourself and the things you love is crucial for hindering burn-out. Whether it’s unwinding with a book or a tv show, painting, baking, playing an instrument or simply just doing a skin care routine, being there for yourself is just as important as being there for others. 

Think positive

Putting your mind in a state of positive thoughts and emotions can help build the habit of blocking out negative thoughts of self-doubt. A positive attitude can help with stress management and mental health, because having that positive outlook on life will help you see the good outcomes over the bad which will allow you to gain motivation and awaken happiness. 

Make small goals each week

While long term goals are great, making small goals will give a sense of satisfaction and reward that will motivate you to reach the long term ones. For instance, if you’re trying to get your body moving more, setting a starter goal of taking 10,000 steps 4 times a week and then increasing this goal a few weeks later to 5 weeks can increase your sense of completion and make you motivated to become more physically active over time. 

Keep a gratitude journal 

Making lists every now and then about things you’re grateful for can help you become more optimistic by focusing on the positivity in your life. Gratitude journaling can also help you lower stress and further enable you to take better care of yourself due to reinforcing those feelings of content.