Mentally stable due to the corona quarantine
In order not to fall into a deep hole during the Corona quarantine, we can do concrete things. The German Association of Psychotherapists , for example, gives tips on how to stay mentally stable during this crisis.
Structure
The be-all and end-all for mental stability is structure! As we are used to from our normal everyday life, we should also create a daily structure at home. This can start with seemingly small things – like getting up at the same time every morning. In terms of hormones, waking up between the ages of 7 and 8 has an antidepressant effect. And: Too much sleep can also have a counterproductive effect on our mood!
If you work within your own four walls, you should definitely set up a permanent place for it. This allows us to better differentiate between work and leisure. We should definitely leave this place for fixed breaks. And: Dressing up in the morning as you would for the office signals to our brain that it’s time to get to work! and thus supports productivity.
There are even more tips for healthy work from home here >>
Exercise
Physical activity is particularly short during quarantine. It is extremely important for our mental well-being. Therefore: It is essential to move once a day! Whether it’s a walk in the fresh air during the lunch break or a workout in the living room on the yoga mat. The Psychotherapists Association also recommends breathing techniques and stretching exercises that we can use to calm our body in anxiety and stressful situations.
Here are more detailed tips on exercise during the corona quarantine >>
Nutrition
Sounds banal, but it often gets lost in chaotic times: Eating and drinking regularly helps in particular to structure our everyday lives. Plenty of water, tea or unsweetened drinks support our physical health. As usual, a balanced diet with lots of vegetables should be on the agenda. Regular cooking can also be a nice item on our everyday to-do list – and keeps us busy!
Also exciting: 10 tips for eating balanced in the home office >>
Social contacts
As a social being, humans naturally find it difficult to be isolated over a longer period of time. Fortunately, technology and the internet are by our side during the corona isolation. With options such as video telephony and chats, we can at least keep in virtual contact with our loved ones. Here, too, it helps to make solid plans. For example, the everyday lunchtime phone call with your sister or the evening chat with your girlfriend. But: Be careful not to consistently discuss scary news and concerns. It is important to address these, but to a limited extent. Rather do something nice together, like having dinner together!
Leisure
This area is probably the most affected by the restrictions at the moment. We can no longer go out, meet friends, go to the cinema or a bar. Depending on what our leisure time was like before isolation, some people find it harder to switch to home mode than others. But keeping busy is especially important now: It distracts us from possible fears and depressive moods. Fortunately, countless activities can also be found at home: from useful things such as spring cleaning to creative projects such as handicrafts or sewing to musical instruments or Sudoku.
Television and streaming services are also particularly in demand at the moment. But be careful: psychologists recommend limiting consumption to about two hours a day. Because if we first fall into the so-called binge-watching, it has a negative effect on our daily structure and our mood.
Also exciting: Successfully combat low mood >>
News
It’s important to be up to date. Because the information gives us support and an idea of how things will continue in the near future. Nevertheless, psychologists recommend not consuming news all the time. Anyone who constantly keeps an eye on the news ticker about the corona virus keeps body and soul permanently on the alert. Getting information about twice a day is quite enough. Also, make sure you use reliable sources!
Psychological support
Anyone who notices that they can’t get out of their negative carousel of thoughts, or who is generally struggling with depression or psychological problems, can also seek psychological support during this time. Many practices have now started video consultations, which are usually covered by statutory health insurance companies once they have approved the therapy. The calls are then conducted using special software to ensure data security.
By the way: Apps also offer small but excellent support . For example “Mindshine” , which offers mental fitness training for a positive mindset. Developed by psychologists and coaches, the app contains an extensive program of mindfulness exercises, personality development and mental training.
The training units are used daily for around 10 to 15 minutes and thus help users to build powerful routines. According to the manufacturer, the goals of the app are overcoming stress, increasing concentration and motivation, and boosting self-confidence. Corona support: To support people during this crisis, Mindshine is making its premium content available worldwide free of charge from now until the end of May(Regular price: 12.99 per month).
