DIY mental health in a pandemic

Clearly, I’m not a mental health professional but I’ve struggled with depression at difficult times in my life.  In those times, I’ve learned a thing or two that helped me develop a DIY approach to my mental health in a pandemic.

Acknowledge

Honestly, the first thing I think nearly everyone should do, is acknowledge that this has thrown us all off our axis.  This virus has taken over our lives in so many ways.  It’s dominating the news and social media.  Mundane tasks as simple as getting groceries have changed.  Day to day life looks different.  That takes a mental adjustment.  

I will freely admit to all of you that this situation has brought up some pretty anxious moments.  My day job is considered non-essential.  That means, my work (also known as my income) was cancelled for about 10 weeks.  Lack of money is sure to induce anxiety.  Uncertainty about health, and well-being will also create anxiety.  Additionally, when you aren’t getting out and about and getting some socialization…  You can easily get stir-crazy.  Knowing all of this, what do you do to improve your mental health in a pandemic?

Get outside

While the phrases “Safe at Home” and “Stay at home” have inundated us, it isn’t a literal thing.  We are not on house arrest.  We can enjoy fresh air.  Walk in your neighborhood.  If parks are open near you, go.  (I’d personally avoid playgrounds and restrooms if possible.) Just sitting on your own patio or front porch will do wonders for your mood.  Now is a good time to try your hand at gardening.  Grow a tomato or two.  

Do something

 My biggest hurdle in this has been lethargy.  I have napped nearly every day.  I’ve spent a lot of time with Mr. Netflix.  Motivation has been hard to come by.  That’s definitely not the norm for me.  The best days, the days where I was in a good mood were the days the sun would shine and I actually ‘did’ something.  Those days stand out.  Outside, I touched up the paint on trim.  I worked on my foyer and made some art to display there. 

Doing something did wonders for my mental health.    

Plan something

I am a planner.  I like thinking ahead and visualizing.  This is why Pinterest is like crack for me.  So…  I spent a lot of time on Pinterest.  I found some places to vacation, some projects to do and literally lost myself in a lot of possibilities that have given me something to look forward to and really, gave me some hope for normality.  You might even see some of those plans in upcoming blog posts.

Keep going

Here’s the truth.  Some of us are doing okay.  Some of us are struggling.  Some of us are both—depending on the day.  I just want to urge you, plead with you to Keep Going!!  This isn’t permanent even if it feels like it has been an eternity.  We will come through it.  We are fighters.  We are DIY people fueled by coffee and determination.  And we’re in this together.  Please reach out if your mental health is suffering.   

xoxo

Donna
I love having you on the road with me!