3 Strategies for Good Self-Care in COVID-19 Isolation
To one degree or another, people all over the globe have had to find ways to cope with a worldwide event that has taken many lives. That includes having to stay at home and stay apart from others. And because of these requirements, many feel more alone and disconnected.
It makes sense then that you too may be struggling with the isolation and disconnect caused by the pandemic. This is especially so if you already had depression to begin with.
When dealing with depression, self-care is always important. But now it’s more vital than ever!
Here are three strategies for good self-care during COVID-19.
1. Find Ways to Engage Rather Than Spectate
Because you are isolated, you most likely have become more like a spectator in your life than a participant. It’s easy to just turn on your favorite streaming service to binge-watch that new show or scroll through social media.
These activities may be comforting for a time, and certainly, binge-watching that newly released program is fun. Yet, these habits don’t help you to actually engage with life. So, your first strategy for self-care is finding meaningful connections with others.
For example:
● Attending a weekly gathering of friends or family via video conferencing
● Joining an online fitness class
● Meeting with people in real life but taking appropriate precautions by staying six feet apart and wearing masks
Now, more than ever, it’s important to seek out human connections that bring substance into your life, especially when facing depression. Yes, you won't be able to touch family and friends, but you can interact.
2. Eat, Sleep, and Exercise
There are many articles filled with tips for how to best get through this crisis. Throughout all of them, the same three themes always keep popping back up.
They are:
● Eating a healthy diet
● Getting enough sleep each night
● Exercise regularly
So, you can bundle these three essential activities into your second self-care strategy. By eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising consistently, you are giving your body a solid foundation for coping with the pandemic.
These things are the basics that your body and mind require in order to function. Without them, you struggle. It becomes more difficult to face other obstacles, such as depression. And why struggle during these challenging times when you don’t have to?
3. Do Something Worthwhile
This third strategy sounds simple. But it also can be very challenging. Do something worthwhile, now? Yes!
One of the biggest issues with depression is that you feel your life has no meaning or purpose. You lack direction. Without meaning you quickly find yourself lost. So, to cope with depression and COVID-19, find things to do that give you a purpose and a sense of fulfillment.
For instance:
● Volunteering: Even with physical distancing expectations, there are still ways to volunteer and contribute. Even virtually!
● Learn a new skill: Pick up a musical instrument, try your hand at a craft like woodworking, or take up art. You’d be surprised what you can do!
● Take a class: Sign up for an online or distance-learning course. Or settle in and enjoy an educational book.
● Work on those shelved projects: You probably have had several projects that you’ve been putting off for a while now. Why not just pick one and get started?
The Importance of Participating in Therapy
When you are coping with depression and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s important that you also include therapy in your overall list of strategies. Meeting regularly with a therapist will be an opportunity to connect with another person and discover insight to help you continue coping.
For instance, you might want to learn a new skill but are unsure which to choose. A therapist will be able to help you navigate these decisions. Also, a therapy session is a place where you can talk about what you're struggling with in a safe environment.
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Certainly, the pandemic has been challenging for everybody, but it’s even more so when you're struggling with depression. Try the above-mentioned strategies, and consider contacting us for support through Depression Treatment. We’re here to help.