Maggie Evans 
In the midst of these unprecedented global events, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and depleted. While it might seem like everyone else has their life together, most people are feeling the effects of isolation. If you’ve been feeling heightened anxiety and depression, here are five simple ways to help manage stress and take care of your mental health at home.
Seek Help from a Licensed Therapist
This might seem like an obvious answer but seeking counseling from a professional is the best way to go when you’re feeling out of sorts. It’s crucial to have someone trustworthy to help you process hard emotions, and to put things in perspective during difficult times.
Certainly, it might take perseverance to find the right therapist for you, but don’t be deterred—with just a few searches, you can find the right fit, and even schedule a remote appointment.
If you think you might need to talk to a professional, don’t delay your search. Think of mental health as being part of your proactive self-care routine, like brushing your teeth or exercising. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Meditate
Meditation is a great way to calm a busy mind and to refocus your attention on the present moment. Though meditation seems simple, getting started can be daunting.
Here are some tips to help you begin your mindfulness practice:
- Guided Meditation – If you have trouble getting into the zone, try starting with guided meditations for depression and anxiety. These include body awareness meditations, visualizations, and gratitude practices.
- Meditation Pillow – Finding a comfortable position while meditating is crucial. Try a meditation pillow or start by sitting on a sturdy chair. Don’t worry if you need to change your position—it’s all part of the process.
Remember, meditation is a practice. It’s okay if it’s difficult at first. The goal is to be present at the moment, without the distractions of life’s hustle and bustle.
Take Supplements
While it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional about medication to manage anxiety and depression, there are several safe and easy ways to relax at home. Try winding down with CBD vape pens for depression or sipping on a soothing chamomile tea. When purchasing products like CBD, make sure you do your research to ensure you’re using a high-quality product. These natural remedies are a great way to alleviate intense symptoms of anxiety.
Try including more nutrient-rich foods in your diet. Brighten things up with a smoothie in the morning or buy some fresh berries at your local grocery store. Taking care of your whole body will help improve your mental health, too.
Spend Time Outside
Stepping outside is one of the easiest ways to improve your mental health. Spending time outdoors allows you to slow down and reconnect with nature. Taking a walk in a local park, strolling around the block, or even sitting on your front steps is vital for better mental health.
Implement any of these simple activities to lift your spirit (and possibly raise your heart rate):
- Exercise – Go for a run, a bike ride, or do pull-ups in the park. If you’re experiencing chronic physical pain, consider adding yoga to your routine.
- Bring a Friend – Taking a walk with a friend is a great way to refresh your mood and enjoy the outdoors. If you’re planning on a longer outing, bring a picnic lunch.
- Journal Outside – Write or sketch in a nature journal to experience serenity and mindfulness outside. Take time to jot down notes about the clouds or to draw your favorite birds.
Sleep
A good night’s sleep is the key to feeling energized and happy. Set yourself up for success by going to bed early. If you struggle with falling asleep, try using earplugs to diminish noise and invest in blackout curtains. Try to unplug from all technology before bed. Instead, take a bath or read to prepare for slumber.
If waking up is a challenge, use a sunrise alarm clock to ease your body into the day ahead. These are particularly good if you have blackout curtains that eliminate natural light in the morning.
Be Patient
Achieving improved mental health is a marathon, not a sprint. Begin by including a few of these tips into your daily routine and remember that it will take time to feel better. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family for support. Let them know what’s going on. With good self-care and loving company, you’ll be feeling better in no time.
