The pandemic has taken its toll on us in countless ways. The most recent data shows that over 900,000 people have died in the United States alone.
While the deaths get the most publicity, there are other consequences of the pandemic that can also be horrific. Long Covid is a very real problem for a long problem for a lot of people. Over 100 million people around the world are confirmed to have long covid.
Of course, the problem goes even further. Many people are dealing with the mental and economic challenges of the pandemic. This is an issue we want to delve into deeper in this post.
The Pandemic Blues Are Painful for Millions
After roughly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, billions of people are feeling the “pandemic blues.” Between isolation, the fear of getting sick, death, and misinformation, the entire ordeal can leave people feeling fatigued, anxious, scared, and depressed. The good news is that these are completely normal reactions. These are stressful times, and everyone is feeling the pressure to one degree or another. So, always remember that you are not alone.
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However, it is difficult to not feel alone when you are forced to social distance and potentially cut off most of your contact with other people. You may miss friends and family, or even coworkers if you are now working from home. Fortunately, there are ways to protect your mental health during the pandemic. In any case, the key is to find ways to fight off the negativity and keep a positive attitude, even when facing a global pandemic with no end in sight. So, in today’s post, we are going to look at 4 ways to get over the pandemic blues!
Take Time Off Work for Self-Care
Millions of people were financially impacted by the pandemic and continue to struggle just to make ends meet. Consequently, many workers are trying to play “catch up” with their finances to make up for the time during which their income was reduced. However, this can quickly lead to burnout, which only exacerbates the effects of living in a global pandemic. So, whenever you feel like you could be reaching your limit, go ahead and schedule time off of work for self-care.
Understandably, this is much easier for some employees or self-employed individuals than others. However, even if you only take one or two days off or even just a long afternoon, it could be amazing for your energy levels and sense of positivity. And how you practice self-care is completely up to you. Some people may use the time to tackle personal improvement goals like weight loss surgery, though you should always consider the tummy tuck cost before proceeding. Alternatively, you may just need a few days to relax on the couch and binge on your favorite shows. Either way, you need to have some time to relax and take care of yourself!
Try Breathing Or Meditation Practices
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and even sink into a panic attack if you think about all of the troubles in the world or your personal life. For this reason, it is vital to have different activities and practices that can help you calm down and recalibrate your mindset. Breathing exercises and meditation are two of the best ways to feel centered, calm, and in control.
You don’t have to be a guru or religious expert to meditate, either. There are dozens of videos and even applications to help teach you to meditate and use breathing exercises to stay calm. You can also use some good meditation music to help. All you have to do is find a few minutes in your day to clear your mind and breathe. That’s really all it takes!
Push Yourself To Be Social (Safely)
Being social during a pandemic can feel unsafe and even irresponsible. However, humans are naturally social creatures. Without some kind of interaction with others, you could easily fall into a depression. Once you’re there, it is much harder to climb back out.
So, try to find ways to socialize safely. Whether you gather with a few friends (wearing masks and social distancing) or have a video call with family members, it can help boost your mood and remind you of the people who matter the most in your life. As long as you socialize safely, you can get the benefits of socialization without taking unnecessary risks.
Reduce Your Screen Time As Much As Possible
Scrolling through social media and negative news stories only makes people feel worse during a pandemic. You are likely flooded with hundreds of posts or stories that make you angry, jealous, anxious, depressed, or tired every single day. So, just put down your phone, close your computer, and shut out the digital world when it becomes overwhelming.
This isn’t to say that you can’t enjoy screen time to relax. For example, if it makes you feel good to play video games or watch movies, these can help you take care of your mental health! That said, you shouldn’t only rely on screen time to make you feel better. Instead, try to introduce real-world activities as well. For example, you can start a new exercise regimen, play board games with friends, or learn how to cook a new recipe. Exercise is especially useful, as it can help you combat stress and depression at the physical level. Moreover, if you’re like most people, you may have put on a few extra pounds during the pandemic, so hitting the gym can help you get back to your ideal BMI!
