As the number of COVID-19 infections rises across the globe, it is hardly surprising that our mental health has also increasingly taken a toll. Anxieties are elevated as there are many uncertainties and life as we know it has seen many changes in this past year. This article hopes to provide some helpful strategies to combat the low moods that arise due to COVID-19 as we continually adjust to a new normal.

2. Look for the silver linings

News and social media feeds are saturated with negative information about COVID-19 around the world. However, it is important to remember that throughout history, communities have come together more often than not and helped one another for the greater good. This situation with COVID-19 is no different. By being deliberate and conscious in looking for these stories of people doing good, and of hope, we can maintain a balanced view of things. What are some stories of good or hope that you have come across?

3. Find ways to contribute

The changes in lifestyle that we’ve had to make to limit the spread of COVID-19 can give us the sense that we are losing control. However, contributing to the community, even in small ways, can be empowering and help to balance out low moods. Donate to your local food bank, help your elderly neighbour navigate shopping for groceries online so that they don’t have to go to the store, or purchase gift cards from your local small businesses to help them stay afloat (use them after the physical distancing restrictions have passed). What are some ways that you can show #covidkindness? Remember they don’t have to be big ideas, little things go a long way too.

4. Keep to a routine

Routines and structures help us to regulate our mood by keeping ourselves busy, giving ourselves something to look forward to, and by providing us with a sense of predictability. If you are working from home, separate your workspace from your resting space and keep to specific hours for work, wake up and go to bed at the same time daily, schedule time to do some light exercises to keep active, keep to regular meal times, and aim to have a variety of activities throughout your day. What does your #stayhome routine look like?

5. Take time for self-care

Looking after ourselves is important to maintain a healthy frame-of-mind, particularly in this situation. Some examples of self-care include: taking time to do activities that you enjoy, working out at home, scheduling regular breaks, keeping up with healthy eating, finding time to relax, meditating, practicing mindfulness, and journaling down your thoughts and feelings. What are your favorite activities for self-care? Is there anything that you have been meaning to try but haven’t yet?

6. Maintain social connections

These are unprecedented times, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed by the situation and your emotions. If you need additional support for your mental health, Adaptable Human Solutions (AHS) has licensed therapists who are ever ready to help you through these challenging times. Call us at +82 2 749 7915, email us at info@ahskorea.com or visit our website at www.ahskorea.com for more information.