5 Tips For Maintaining Your Mental Health at the End of the Pandemic

During late June 2020, 40% of U.S. adults reported struggling with issues related to either mental health or substance use. Knowing the best tips for maintaining your mental health makes coping with the pandemic more doable.

Around that time, 31% of U.S. adults reported dealing with anxiety and depression symptoms. Even as the pandemic dwindles, many people continue to deal with elevated mental health symptoms.

Your mental health matters just as much as your physical health. Learning helpful strategies will support your mental health as the pandemic comes to a close.

Here are five ways to maintain your mental health during the remainder of the pandemic.

1. Make Self-Care a Priority

Self-care is more than skincare products and bath bombs. It’s also setting boundaries in your personal life and work-life to promote a healthier, happier existence.

Setting boundaries will prevent burnout and worsening your mental health. Good work boundaries include taking a mental health day every now and then.

Start saying “no” to things that aren’t doable for you in terms of ability or scheduling. Just know that saying “no” often reveals who actually respects your boundaries and who doesn’t.

2. Take Your Medication and/or Vitamins

It’s critical for anyone with mental illness to take their medication(s) on schedule now. That means taking medication as prescribed on a consistent basis. If you have trouble tracking your dosages, use a pillbox to organize your daily meds.

Plus, there are certain vitamins that’ll help nearly anyone who’s dealing with stress. Learn more about what would help in terms of vitamins via the previous link.

If you find yourself struggling with a severe anxiety disorder, book an online appointment with a psychiatrist. They’ll prescribe meds and treatments that’ll improve your mental health. The same applies to other forms of severe mental illness.

3. Spend Time Outside

Sunny, warm days aren’t a year-round privilege. Getting outside on a nice day often boosts one’s mood and relieves stress.

Spending time in the sun is good for your health as long as you don’t get sunburn. Wearing sunscreen will allow you to get some vitamin D while protecting your skin.

4. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a good coping strategy for people with mental health conditions. That includes depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and more. Mindfulness makes you fully present by focusing your attention on the here and now.

Practicing mindfulness helps you identify what you’re feeling and thinking at the moment. It also involves breathing techniques, visualization, and other practices that reduce stress. Engaging in regular mindfulness exercises will increase its benefits.

5. Connect With Friends Online

Sometimes, talking to a friend is the best therapy there is. Try venting to a trusted friend online when you’re feeling stressed or anxious.

Video chatting with friends lets you experience social interaction from home. Try throwing a Zoom party next Saturday night!

Maintaining Your Mental Health Makes a Difference

1 in 10 U.S. adults is currently experiencing anxiety and depressive disorder symptoms during the pandemic. It’s clear that maintaining your mental health still has to be a priority during the last of the pandemic.

Meanwhile, 56% of U.S. young adults (ages 18-24) report experiencing depressive disorder and/or anxiety. Check up on your friends and family of all ages and educate yourself about health.

Get informed—check out more of our health articles.