By: Ashmar Mandou

A recent mental health poll by the Kaiser Family Foundation found that “nearly 45 percent of adults across the United States say that worry and stress related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic are hurting their mental health, an early sign that the health and economic crises is likely to increase mental health problems.” As May is Mental Health Awareness Month, below are some steps individuals can take to prioritize and take care of their mental health.

Focus on things you can control

One of the main causes of anxiety and stress during the pandemic is the uncertainty element surrounding the crisis. Because we don’t know how long lockdowns are going to last, how long we will have to practice physical distancing, and how long it will take for a vaccine to be developed, what we can do is focus on things we can control.  Having a routine and sticking to it are a good way to start. Small tasks and achievements like making your bed, cooking for yourself, working out, or cleaning the house can help spark positive feelings in oneself. These tasks can also serve as a reminder that we can move forward and that we are not “stuck” in a situation. 

Avoid sources of stress and anxiety

While many people benefit from reading the news on a regular basis, others do not. If you find that checking your Twitter feed, reading the online version of your favorite newspaper, or simply tuning in to press conferences increases your anxiety and stress, then keeping up with the news is best avoided.  If you would like to stay informed, consider vetting the sources of the news you consume, ensuring that the information they provide is accurate and not misleading or sensationalized. 

Clock in some “me-time”

This is particularly important if you live with family. While it’s essential that we remain social even while physical distancing, it’s also essential that people have time to themselves. If you live at home with your parents, your kids, your sibling, or friends, then by now you may be a bit tired of spending so much time with them.  Seeing the same people on a daily basis, having the same conversations or arguments with them, and finding more ways to entertain them can become a stressful part of daily life in and out of itself.  To prevent this from happening, make sure that you have some time during the day where you can simply disconnect and relax without having to worry about others.