10 Ways I'm Taking Care Of My Mental Health During Quarantine

This past month has been completely bonkers, wouldn't you say? I hope everyone is staying safe and maintaining some level of balance throughout all of this. I was listening to a podcast today that really struck a chord with me, because I've been feeling really guilty feeling somewhat okay amidst all of this. My husband and I are both still employed. I enjoy his company and he's a great quarantine buddy. We're healthy. I get to sit outside on my deck everyday instead of in a windowless office. I've been reading more than ever. I get to hang with my cats all day. I don't have children I have to entertain or homeschool. This sweatpants and no makeup life is very much in alignment with who I am as a person. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is I've been feeling okay. Some might even say good. 

And that podcast I was listening to had a therapist on it who was talking about how people with anxiety and depression are seemingly handling this better than others because they deal with this level of stress on a daily basis. And I had to laugh out loud, because I do believe it's true. She said something to the effect of, "This is what being on the verge of a panic attack feels like for those who are unfamiliar." So, if you are one of those people who can't stop watching the news and hiding under your covers, I totally feel that. I've felt it on more occasions than I would care to admit. And I promise we'll come out on the other side of this. 

Here are some ways I'm taking care of my mental health during quarantine. I hope some of them can help you all, too! ​

Reading Books

As I mentioned, I've been reading more than I ever have lately, and it's been so nice. Reading is something I've always loved but in my adult years, have lacked the time to really commit to on the level I want. If you're someone who enjoys reading, let this be a nice escape for you and crack open a book you've had on your shelf for awhile. If you're local to Charleston, I'm happy to drop off some of my recommendations on your doorstep as well. So far in quarantine I've read (and loved):

Listening to Podcasts

I have been listening to podcasts like a maniac lately. Whether I'm running, showering, cooking, folding laundry, etc...I likely have a podcast on in the background. I've even gone back into the archives of some of my favorite podcasts to listen to extremely old episodes. To me, it's just nice to have familiar voices in the background and listen to people talk that you admire or think are funny. Some even have great life advice that would be helpful once we get out of all of this. Some of my favorites are: Bad on Paper, Girls Gotta Eat, and A Thing or Two. 

luxurious shower routines

To preface, I am a newly married twenty-something living with my husband and our three cats. I realize those with children may not be able to sneak away for lengthy amounts of time to enjoy a luxurious shower or bathing routine. However, I'd recommend trying it if you can. I've been taking this time to truly enjoy every aspect of "getting ready." For example, my luxurious shower routine looks like taking an extra long, extra hot shower with all of my fanciest products, including some body scrub samples I've found in my drawers...applying a face mask afterwards while I lounge around in my robe, clip and paint my nails, and listen to (you guessed it) a podcast...and then lathering on my favorite body butter or lotion and slipping into my coziest sweats to finish. It always feels like I'm treating myself. And I'm a big fan of treating yourself. 

washing my sheets more than usual

There's nothing like sleeping on fresh sheets, and so I've been washing ours more than usual just to have something to look forward to in the evenings when I crawl into bed. It's the little things. 

Video Calls With Family

Technology is both a blessing and a curse, but it's very much a blessing in this scenario. Use this time to Facetime or Zoom chat with your family and friends if you're feeling lonely. 

watching comedy specials

I've been trying to keep my media intake light throughout all of this, which means no intense or scary shows that trigger me emotionally. I've been watching every Netflix comedy special I can find to make me laugh and unwind on the evenings I'm not nose deep in a book, and it's been so great. Would highly recommend!

journaling

Though no one probably remembers because I released my latest product right before all of this sh*t hit the fan, The Daily Navigator has been a HUGE help for me during quarantine. I swear I'm not just saying this because I made the product. I had no idea this is the turn our world would take when I sent it to the printer in January. Essentially, The Daily Navigator is a daily self-reflection journal I created to help you instill more self-love and self-care into your daily life. And I mean, what a better time to do so?! It's become my new nightly routine and I've really enjoyed going back to see how I've evolved since I started journaling in it as well. If you're into journaling, feel free to support a local business (aka me) and get yours today :)

exercising

I talked about this in a recent Instagram post, but I have exercised nearly every day during quarantine, and I was feeling really guilty about it until I realized that this is my coping mechanism. ​Exercise is and has been my coping mechanism since I fully recovered from my eating disorder. It soothes my anxiety. It makes me feel like I’m maintaining structure or routine of some sort. It’s my way of escaping my day to day. I’ve been seeing a lot about how people shouldn’t feel guilty about indulging in their “guilty pleasures” during this time. And I agree. Mine just happens to be excessive movement. So I’m allowing myself to feel all of the things and cope with it the best way I know how. 

sleeping

Has anyone else been getting so much more sleep during quarantine? Because I definitely have. I feel like I'm catching up on my many years of shitty sleep, and I'm letting myself enjoy every bit of it. 

eating well

Again, not here to judge for however you are able to cope with the current state of the world, but for me, eating fresh foods and cooking nutritious meals makes me feel so much better physically and mentally. That's not to say I haven't drank an entire bottle of wine by myself on more than one occasion during quarantine, because I absolutely have, it's just making sure there's a healthy balance. 

However you are choosing and are able to cope with quarantine is perfectly imperfect and valid, friends. I hope some of the above suggestions are helpful if you are seeking any guidance during this time. Remember, we'll get through this. I adore each and every one of you so much. Stay safe!