10 Tips on Looking After your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Written by Madeline Kalu

At Jacob’s Ladder, we believe that having good mental health is important for everyone, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Statistics show that more people are suffering from depression, fear, and anxiety as a result of a change in their financial situation, the risk of infection, and the drastic change to their everyday existence as a result of self-quarantine and lockdown procedures.

For that reason, we have made a list of 10 tips to help you look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

1.ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A ROUTINE

Work out a daily routine with set times for getting up, doing sport, meal times, and going to bed.

Build up your daily routine my making a routine for the entire week.

As part of your weekly routine, factor in chores like grocery shopping and even date nights and family evenings.

2. BE ACTIVE

Regular physical activity improves your mood and concentration, it reduces stress and depression, and improves the quality of your sleep.

Do some form of exercise at least 3 times a week for a minimum of 20 minutes.

To hold yourself accountable, work out with a member of your family, or if lockdown procedures allow it, meet up with a friend for a walk, jog, or even a bike ride in the park.

3. HAPPY GUT, HAPPY LIFE

Your gut produces 95% of your body’s serotonin, the happy hormone.

Therefore, eat healthy foods like grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins to help keep you emotionally stable.

Replace sugary drinks with water, and reduce your alcohol consumption.

4. ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR FEELINGS

It’s ok to feel anxious, fearful, and even angry about the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects.

However, try and not let your emotions dictate your mood.

If emotional turmoil is shredding your nerves and stealing your joy, tell God about it, and ask Him to give you the strength to deal with what is bothering you.

Also, confiding in your spouse, a member of your family, or even a close friend will help release some of the emotional tension you’re feeling.

Too many times we keep our emotions bottled in,which can lead not only to mental disorders, but it can also result in physical ailments such as headaches, back pain, ulcers, and poor sleep quality.

5. LIMIT YOUR NEWS CONSUMPTION

Scouring the news for every latest update regarding the COVID-19 virus is not only going to increase your anxiety, it will also waste your time and prevent you from living your life.

It is definitely sensible to be informed, but don’t overdo it!

6. SPEND TIME WITH GOD

If worry, anxiety, and fears regarding your welfare and the future of you and your family are affecting your peace of mind, turn to God and cast your mental burdens on Him.

His promises of love, grace, protection, and provision will comfort you and give you hope.

Make it a part of your daily routine to spend time with God. Treat that time as “you” time and don’t let anyone disrupt you.

This could mean that you may need to get up slightly earlier than usual or wait until your family goes to bed in order to have your quiet time with God.

7. AVOID “WHAT IF?” IF QUESTIONS

Try to avoid postulating and procrastinating about the future: It’s only going to increase your stress levels and rob you of today’s joy.

8. DO SOMETHING KIND FOR OTHERS

Doing something kind for others will distract you from your own problems and enrich someone in need.

It will also help you to appreciate what you may take for granted e.g. mobility, family.

You can help others by offering to do grocery shopping for a neighbor, who is elderly or sick. Arrange to drop your purchases at the door to maintain social distancing.

You can also offer to donate blood, help out in a soup kitchen, a food bank, a kindergarten, an animal rescue station, or ask your local hospital if they need volunteers.

Financial donations are always welcome during this period of economic uncertainty.

Some countries also offer initiatives to train people online to become digital counselors.

In our free EBook “More than Conquerors through Christ”, we offer an extensive list of ways you can help others during the COVID-19 pandemic. To obtain a free copy of our EBook, click here.

9. CONNECT

The current pandemic has left many feeling cut-off from the rest of the world.

If lockdown measures prevent you from meeting up with family and friends, give them a call, or organize a Skype or Zoom meeting.

Otherwise, arrange to meet a friend in the park and go for a walk together. If restaurants are opening up again in your area, organize a coffee date or go out for a meal.

10. BE GRATEFUL

Show God gratitude by thanking Him for all the wonder things he does for you – no matter how small.

Practicing gratitude will replace negative thoughts, boost your morale, and give you revelation of how much God blesses your life.

Our family keeps a “Miracle Book”, where we write down all the miraculous and wonderful things that God does in our lives. When l find myself getting anxious, or having depressive thoughts, l read over some of our prior entries and feel comforted and reassured of God’s love, faithfulness, and provision.

Maybe you could try keeping a “Miracle Book” as well. You could also use a “Miracle Jar” and record your writings on strips of paper.

Also, try writing down three great things every day that God has done for you that day.

We hope you found our 10 tips on how you can look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic useful, and that you enjoyed our video as well!

Happy mental health, everyone!