1. Consider therapy

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of people of all ages. Even though some countries have opened up, given high vaccination rates and low infection rates, there is still a looming crisis regarding people’s mental health. It should be understood that reaching out for help is fine. Speaking to an unbiased stranger can be a huge benefit for one’s mental health, and allow for decompression and release of tension. DrCare247 is a secure platform for therapists and behavioral health specialists to see patients virtually and efficiently. With minimal requirements needed from patients and providers, it allows for quick scheduling in times of crisis.

2. Take breaks from social media and news

These days, our phones are stuck to on hour hands more than ever. We are constantly looking at social media and news, which often have devastating and stressful news. Although it is good to stay informed, constant exposure to the same news can harm our mental health. It is important to unplug and focus on oneself and set certain times to look at media content. We live in a world where there is more bad news than good, and the isolation from COVID-19 will only be greater if the images of this news stay in our head. Discussions with others on the news is also not so helpful, due to the nature of the world we live in.

3. Practice regular self-care

The importance of unplugging and taking time for yourself is unparalleled. Take a long walk, work out, treat yourself to your favorite food, watch a movie (or two!). The situation in the world is very stressful, and people may have lost jobs, family members, and be isolated from human contact. We must be able to celebrate and appreciate the little things, and take time to prioritize ourselves. At the end of the day, that is all we have to keep us going. It can be difficult to be constantly motivated these days, making it important to unplug and do things that bring one happiness.

4. Connect with others virtually

In these times of isolation, connection with those who we consider close and share the same values is priceless. It will give you something to look forward to, and help break up the time in isolation. Given all the advancements in remote communication such as FaceTime, Zoom, Skype, etc. it is possible to easily plan virtual meets and calls with friends. If you need to speak to a doctor or therapist, we offer a HIPAA-compliant communication platform that we have developed, for easy communication. Even though vaccination rates are slowly but surely going up throughout the world, we all must hold on a bit longer and be cautious. This virtual communication will help us cope with this long period of solitude!

5. Maintain a balanced diet

This is a big one that people often overlook in times of isolation. It can be easy to eat many comfort foods in the name of self-care, but balance is the key, along with regular exercise. For those at high risk for certain conditions like diabetes and heart issues, monitoring of vitals will also be good to couple with healthy eating. This will help track any changes in one’s health and fix them when the values go the wrong way. If needed, consultation with a dietician will be best so a schedule can be created to help with self-discipline. Dieticians can also use our platform to meet their clients, securely and conveniently!