Working throughout the corona-virus pandemic can take a toll on your mental health. It is important to keep your mind and body healthy so you can stay productive at work. Follow these 10 mental health tips for working during COVID-19.

1. Get enough sleep

  1. Adequate sleep gives your body the time it needs to rest and recharge for the next day. Your brain needs time to unwind and process the new information it received during the day. Lack of sleep can make you forgetful and easily irritated. A pandemic is stressful enough on its own so rest up!

2. Stay physically active and exercise regularly

  1. It’s easy to lay around and eat junk food on days you’re not working but that is terrible for your body and mental health. Some exercises are proven to reduce anxiety and depression, which is easy to fall into during uncertain times. Regular exercise can also improve your mood, self-esteem, and your sleep. 

3. Get fresh air

  1. Most of us have been told to play outside since we were kids. What you may not know is that there are numerous health benefits to spending time outdoors. Fresh air boosts your immune system, cleans your lungs, improves blood pressure and heart rate, and gives your brain oxygen. More oxygen to your brain allows it to work more efficiently. So, do yourself a favor and get some fresh air!

4. Stay connected to your family and friends

  1. Close relationships increases happiness. Plus, loneliness and a risk of high blood pressure may be related, especially in older people. Staying connected could help reduce that risk. People with strong social networks are also more likely to live longer lives. 

5. Meditate

  1. Meditation can help you relax. Studies show that meditation can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. It is also thought to help manage stress and fear. The unknowns that COVID-19 brings to your workplace may cause you to feel a few of these emotions. Meditation is a great way to curb those negative emotions and improve your mental health state.

6. Eat healthy and well-balanced meals

  1. Avoid fatigue and depression by fueling your body with healthy foods and drinks. Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. Focus on eating foods that contain folate, vitamin d, and omega-3 fatty acids.

7. Take breaks from the news and social media

  1. Staying informed and up-to-date is critical right now. However, it’s important to find balance and not overwhelm yourself with stressful news. Set specific time frames to check the news and social media. Avoid consuming nonstop COVID-19 information which could cause negative emotions to arise.

8. Take time for your hobbies

  1. Hobbies give you a chance to unwind and do an activity you enjoy. Not only do they bring you happiness, hobbies are also a great distraction from everyday life stressors.  If you don’t have a hobby, consider taking one up, such as gardening, bicycling, painting, playing an old game, or learning a new dance. 

9. Focus on positive thoughts

  1. There is a strong link between a positive mindset and your health. A positive mindset is shown to improve a variety of conditions ranging from stroke to brain tumors. You can improve your thoughts by smiling more, finding the good in bad situations, and learning how to adapt to stressful situations. 

10. Use delivery services when possible

  1. When possible, save yourself a headache and arrange to have services brought to you. If you have patients who need x-rays, for example, arrange to have a mobile imaging company, such as Palm Diangostics, visit. This is easier on you mentally and your patients physically.

Focus on these mental health tips for working during COVID-19 and you are sure to reduce your stress levels, increase your production, and feel happier.

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