Tips on How to Take Care of Your Mental Health During Pandemic

One of the least-discussed things about the COVID-19 pandemic is the toll it takes on a person’s mental health. With the stress, anxiety, and uncertainty that this pandemic has brought over the last two years, it’s normal for people to feel overwhelmed and scared from time to time. Luckily, we're not entirely helpless because there are tips that we can follow on how to take better care of our mental health during the pandemic.

On that note, here are some of the most practical tips on how to look after your mental health during these unprecedented times:

Do More Physical Activities

Believe it or not, working out can improve both your physical and mental health. However, if you're still not comfortable with the idea of exercising in an enclosed area then here are other things that you can do that will put your body to work:

Going on morning runs
Cycling
Exercising at home
Dancing
Yoga

Don’t Spend Too Much Time Watching News

Staying informed is crucial, especially amid the pandemic. But the thing is, consuming too much news (whether about COVID or not) can make you feel overwhelmed with information that you can’t just dump somewhere else. It's better to lessen your time watching news shows such as TV Patrol and 24Oras. Instead, do something that can make you forget the depressing pandemic situation just for a bit.

Also, make sure that you only get your information from credible sources. Avoid fake news at all costs!

Stop Drowning Yourself in Social Media

You know what? We get it. It's fun to scroll on your social media pages to stay updated with your friends, watch viral videos, and witness *bardagulan* moments. But the thing is, social media is also the place where you would see rampant misinformation and garbage hot takes – two things that could stress you out a lot.

So, if possible, try to limit the amount of time you spend on social media too. Better yet, go on a social media break so you can focus on improving your mental health.

Stay Connected With Your Loved Ones

Being in touch with the people that matter the most to you can also help alleviate your stress and anxiety. The nice thing about this is that you can bond with your loved ones even while social distancing. You can use apps like Facebook Messenger and Telegram to text, create group chats, and set up video calls with your friends or family.

Establishing constant communication with your loved ones, especially when you're apart, is essential in keeping your mental health in a good state despite the pandemic.

Travel to Your Favorite Place

Traveling? During the pandemic? Why not! Thankfully, popular spots such as Subic Bay, La Union, Boracay, and Baguio City have reopened their borders for fully-vaccinated tourists. Being able to go back to the places you used to go to before COVID happened may trigger your happy memories and boost your mental health.

Talk To a Professional

If things are becoming too overwhelming, then maybe it's time to seek the help of a professional. Talking to a stranger about your worries and expecting help from them could be quite an uncomfortable experience, especially if you're a first-timer. But it's an important thing to do if you want to be in a better headspace and have overall improved mental health.

Luckily, the Philippines has several numbers that you can call if you’re having a mental health crisis, and they are listed right below:

0917-899-USAP (8727) – National Institute for Mental Health
0917-558-4673 – Philippine Red Cross
2919 (for tm and globe subscribers) – Philippine Red Cross 24/7 Suicide Prevention Toll-Free Line
1553 / 0908-639-2672 – Additional NCMH Crisis Hotlines

Final Words

Taking charge of your mental health, especially during a time as stressful as the pandemic, is a very commendable thing to do. Remember the mental health tips we shared above, so you’ll know what to do the next time you get emotionally overwhelmed and end up in a bad headspace.

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