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Share your quitting journey

Coronavirus Isolation and Mental Health

YoungAtHeart
Member
9 17 257
‎03-23-2020 12:08 PM

What individuals can do

CNBC Make It compiled the advice of psychology experts, as well as several health bodies, to find out their top tips:

  • Create a routine — Change out of your pajamas, shower and make a to-do of all the things you want to achieve each day to create a sense of normality and productivity.
  • Break up your day — Find tasks to break up your day and, where possible, change your environment for different activities.
  • Take care of your body — Eat healthily, get plenty of sleep and exercise daily. That could include conducting indoor workout classes, stretching and practicing meditation. 
  • Help others — If you’re not under strict isolation rules yourself, and you’re in a position to do so, find ways to support those in need by offering to run errands and collect supplies for them.
  • Stay connected — Make the most of technology and stay in touch with colleagues, friends and family via phone calls, texts, social media and video conferencing.
  • Limit media intake — Stay informed about the situation via reliable sources, but limit your news and social media intake to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
  • Prepare medical supplies — The National Alliance on Mental Illness advises, where necessary, asking your doctor for extended prescription supplies to tide you over for quarantine periods.
  • Fight boredom — Make the most of catching up TV series, reading and exploring projects you have been putting off to beat boredom and stay mentally active.
  • Avoid burnout — Set strict limits to your work to avoid becoming overwhelmed and make time to unwind.
  • Focus on the positives — Amplify good news stories and honor caregivers working tirelessly to resolve the situation.
  • Take one day at a time — Try not to project too far into the future. Remember that these are temporary measures and you are not alone.

Coronavirus: Tips for protecting your mental health during quarantine 

If you are quitting smoking, social distancing might exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety.  There IS a light at the end of the tunnel, but if you feel you can't get past these feelings,  write a blog and ask for help.  If you think professional help might be needed, call  the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline  at 1-800-273-8255.

We are here if you think we can help.

Nancy

17 Comments
About the Author
I smoked until a vascular surgeon informed me of the damage I had done to myself by doing so. I quit 11 years ago, and I can swim laps virtually FOREVER now, walk most other days 40 minutes to an hour and a half. What a difference quitting has made in my life! I strive to help others find this wonderful freedom from addiction, too.