Serving the Lowcountry and Coastal Empire of Georgia and South Carolina.
Thursday, December 17, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for many of us. Our entire worlds have been changed and challenging, so it’s no wonder many of us have gone through tough mental health issues as well.
“Many healthcare professionals have been worried about the mental health of our country during the pandemic,” SouthCoast Health Family Medicine Specialist Dr. Leland R. Dampier said. “In fact, a recent survey showed that 53% of adults have had their mental health negatively affected during the COVID-19 pandemic."
If this sounds like your experience, keep reading below to learn how to keep up positive mental health during the pandemic.
The best way to work on your mental health in times when you’re feeling really low is to reach out to a professional. A psychologist will know how to guide you through the low times as well as the highs. Most local professionals will offer ways to connect and go to meetings online. However, you can also visit resources like Betterhealth, if it works best for you.
When we all mostly work from home, it can be harder to transition from work to relaxing. It’s tempting to keep checking emails or finish just one more to-do when our commute takes no time at all.
However, it’s vital to check off work as soon as you’re supposed to. Making boundaries between yourself from work allows you to relax better and easier. Read this blog from Forbes to learn why this is so essential!
Though we can’t be there with them in person, there are lots of other ways to connect with our loved ones. Doing so is an essential step in keeping yourself positive and happy during this pandemic.
Technology that allows you to call each other, whether that’s Facetime or Google Hangouts, is a great place to start. We recommend scheduling special times with loved ones too aside from just calling in every now and then to check-in.
Spend time with your loved ones on the phone as you all cook dinner together. Schedule work dates with coworkers virtually to keep each other motivated and accountable. There are tons of ways to schedule fun hangout times with your loved ones, though it may look a little differently during the pandemic.
Many of us face high-levels of stress during the pandemic. Whether it’s because you’re struggling to balance workload with family or it’s because you’re upset you can’t spend time with your family, it’s vital for your health and happiness by ensuring you destress.
Here are some of our favorite destressing activities:
Journaling: When everything gets to be too stressful, opening up a journal is a fantastic way to sort through challenging situations. Whether you do so on a Word document or on a physical journal, writing about what you’re going through or helping yourself to see the good in situations, such as through gratitude journaling, is a proven way to destress.
Self-care: This process looks unique for everyone! Whether your favorite thing to do is take a hot bath or go get a massage, putting yourself first is a wonderful way to relax and melt away stress. The purpose of self-care is to spend time on yourself only so you can bring your body and mind to a healthier, happier place. Whatever that looks like for you, make sure you’re scheduling enough self-care time in your busy schedule.
While everything around us has changed, it’s been easy to slip into new, unhealthy routines. More time has been spent on the couch and less time exercising. We’ve ordered food out more instead of cooking nutritious meals in our kitchen. To help keep yourself happy and healthy during the pandemic, we encourage you to get back to your health habits.
Ensure you’re exercising at least thirty minutes a day. Eat meals packed with healthy proteins, veggies, fruits, and grains. Schedule time for self-care and relaxing. Doing so will absolutely lift your spirits and keep yourself positive.
If you have any further questions about mental health and tips for staying positive during the pandemic, SouthCoast Health would be happy to help you. Click here to schedule an appointment with us or give us a call at 912.691.3600.
Whether you are looking for a primary care doctor or a pediatrician, or another medical specialist, SouthCoast Health has you covered with its wide range of world-class healthcare services, available throughout the Coastal Empire and Lowcountry. SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hilton Head, Hinesville, and Statesboro. SouthCoast Health offers comprehensive medical services including: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Allergy and Asthma, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Eye Care, Imaging, Infectious Diseases, Nephrology, Neurology, Physical Therapy, Podiatry, Sleep Medicine, Surgery, Clinical Trial Research Studies, Diabetic Self-Management Training Sessions, Dietetic Counseling, Laboratory Services, Massage Therapy, Optical Shop, Pharmacy, and Urgent Care.
SouthCoast Health has 120 physicians and medical professionals in 18 locations in Savannah, Richmond Hill, Pooler, Rincon, Baxley, Hinesville, and Statesboro.
