Recharge, Refresh, Reset: Beating The Quarantine Blues

Recharge, Refresh, Reset: Mental health days

Beating The Quarantine Blues look different for BY JACQUELINE SAGUIN everyone, but it

means allowing time for self-care, Quarantine tests our emotional bandwidth and intensifies our feelings. mindfulness, rest and Rage, anxiety and irritability can overwhelm us or make us do things recuperation. out of character. But, guilt from taking a pause is all-consuming, a universal feeling. This imbalance not only stunts Soothe Your Senses

productivity but it harms mental health, Infuse a warm bath with smells like flowers thrusting us into a vicious cycle. and lemon that make you happy. Smells time off of work each week, but consider Meal planning holds you accountable for trigger comforting memories, and nostalgia is one the most powerful feelings. Revisit fond memories by looking at old pictures. “Always validate whatever emotions you’re Realistic goals gardening or listening to birds chirp. feeling,” said Gainesville Sage Wellness’s Feel your heart flip once you check off a Surround Yourself with Good People Dr. Jennifer Martin. “Usually, we ignore it, box. The littlest step forward is enough to Hearing other people talk about their brush it to the side or tell ourselves we’re rebuild self-esteem and hope. Something as struggles normalizes what you’re feeling. overreacting. That only causes the emotion simple as walking around the block for 30 Socialize with people who support your to get stuck, and emotions don’t just go minutes or reading a new book every month self-care habits. Avoid self-isolation by video away on their own.” gives you something to look forward to and calling friends for quality face time. Keep practice, said Martin. your distance from toxic people who are Take a mental health day as often as possible, or at least once a week, said Robert Journal negative or engage in unhealthy behaviors. Edelman, a mental health counselor and Prioritize self-checks. Don’t feel pressured Find Altruistic Activities CEO of the Village Counseling Center. to pen an entire diary entry. Instead, Giving back to the community helps us Mental health days look different for write down your thoughts, stress levels or cope with stress and anger while keeping everyone, but it means allowing time for mental symptoms. It’ll make you mindful us grounded, said Edelman. We can donate self-care, mindfulness, rest and recuperation. of your mental health and help you process food or help at animal shelters without Not everyone has the luxury of taking your feelings. comprising safety. scheduling time during the evening or Breathing Exercises Entertain Yourself weekend to recharge. Sunday night may Dampen high energy with breathing. Some people enjoy watching sad movies be a good time to reassess needs for the Breathe in through your nose for five when they’re feeling down. Try watching week ahead, especially for those who work. seconds. Breathe out through your mouth a comedian you enjoy or an upbeat show. Martin recommended taking time off every for seven seconds. Do this for as long as Dance to upbeat music for a boost or listen to quarter if not once or twice a year. you need. The exhale decreases your heart calm music to soothe you. Puzzles and games and relaxes you. Intense exercises like also keep your mind distracted. Although we cannot control the world jumping jacks interrupt panic, anger or around us, we can focus on ways to recharge high irritability so you can bring yourself Recognize When You Need Help amidst an uncertain time. Give yourself back to a steady state and analyze what If you don’t feel comfortable talking to a permission to adopt these self-care habits for you’re feeling. friend or significant other, mental health your next mental health day! Good Sleep and a Proper Diet Find Your Movement Exercise decreases depression, according counselors have virtual sessions, said Edelman. People open up more during these online calls, he said. Some clinics now offer Be your own parent. Set a bedtime so you to Edelman. Focus on activities that are in-person appointments with temperature get a healthy 7 to 9 hours of sleep. Avoid rejuvenating rather than relaxing to refill checks, hand sanitization and mask heavy screen time before bed. Alcohol your emotional energy, said Martin. Take a requirements. Crisis centers remain open. and tobacco use also interferes with sleep. vigorous walk or hike a few times a week! Immerse yourself in the world outside by eating regularly. It’s all the basics for your If you or someone you know needs help, contact the Alachua foundation, said Edelman. County 24-hour Crisis Line at 352-264-6789.