Tips on Staying Mentally Healthy While Quarantining & Social Distancing

by Ryan Cassata

Dear Matthews Place Family:

I know things are really rough in the world right now and anxiety levels are heightened for many of us. I’m definitely feeling the anxious vibes in the air and am doing my best to stay busy, distracted, and healthy. I’m taking the time to learn new things. I’ve learned how to tune an auto-harp (now I just have to learn how to play it), and I’ve even learned how to make lyric videos with animation after watching YouTube tutorials. My next album is coming out on March 27th, 2020, and I will release some of the lyric videos I have made around then!

What are you doing to stay mentally healthy? Do you need some tips? I made a YouTube video to help combat boredom and to provide some tips on how to stay mentally healthy during self- quarantines and social distancing days/weeks. Here are some of the topics from the video:

Meditate:

There’s tons of apps that can help with this. Personally, I use Headspace. They are even offering free support right now during this global crisis. I highly suggest taking advantage of this wonderful app. It’s something that has helped me a ton over the past year. Click here for more!

Listen to Music:

Make playlists on Spotify that have themes. Share them with friends! Dive into new music. Discover new artists. Listen to their entire catalogue. Now is the time, because we have the time!

Writing:

Write songs/poems, journal, write letters, write emails, write gratitude lists.

Get Outside:

If you have a dog take them on a walk, go stand outside in the sun (get that Vitamin D!), run around, skateboard, bike, just stay at a safe distance from others! Physical activity is super important right now and exercising is always great for good mental health!

Talk on the Phone/Skype/FaceTime:

Even if you feel like you are doing okay in this moment, call others and see how they are doing. Catch up with old friends. Make new friends. Have hangouts on Zoom if you need extra socialization. You can all see each other via computer cameras through this app so it’s a great way to be face to face without being literally face to face.

Cooking:

Look up recipes online and make new things. Improvise if you don’t have all the ingredients! Also, Please don’t overbuy at grocery stores. So many people are in need right now and the overbuying is making it hard for some folks to get essentials!

Cleaning:

Clean your house, vacuum, wipe down your surfaces, take our the trash, organize your kitchen supplies, organize your closet/drawers. Put old clothes in bags to donate them when we can go out again.

Reading:

Pick up a new book and start reading. Reading is a great adventure for the mind and is a good way to have your spirits uplifted. You can even read books on the phone with friends/ family! Tip: Switch off each paragraph when reading on the phone. It keeps your mind occupied and it’s nice to be read to / read to others.

Have a Daily Routine:

Routines are great for mental health. I wake up, shower, brush my teeth, get dressed, walk my dog, eat breakfast, then go on with my day. I have added exercise to my routine as well and I try to make sure to play music every day too. I end my day by meditating. Have a routine and stick to it! Having routine wake-up and bedtimes are great too!

Remember, we are all going through a rough time right now. None of us are alone in this struggle. Check in with your friends, family and stay connected to the ones that you love. The socializing online/on the phone is very important right now. Let it lift up your spirits. I hope you have a good day! Stay healthy and safe y’all!

Love, Ryan Cassata

About the Author:

Ryan Cassata is an award winning singer-songwriter, actor, performer, writer and LGBTQ activist & motivational speaker based in Los Angeles. With features in Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine, The New York Times, Buzzfeed, and The Daily News, Ryan has made the most of his young career, which started when he was just 13.

As a musician with over 550 performances touring across the United States and internationally, including dates on the Van’s Warped Tour, SXSW and at the worlds biggest pride festivals, Ryan has been praised by The Advocate saying he’s a “Transgender singing sensation”, Paper Magazine put him on the “50 LGBTQ Musicians You Should Prioritize” list, LOGO put him on the “9 Trans Musicians You Need To Get Into” list and Billboard put him on the “11 Transgender & Non-Binary Musicians You Need to Know” list and premiered his most recent music video for “Daughter.” He has also been heard on Sirius XM Radio, BBC Radio 4 and other radio stations around the world. MORE INFO AT: http://www.ryancassata.com/