5 proven ways to help you fight the ‘rona blues

By: Laura Campbell

When we said “bring on the roaring 20’s,” I don’t think this is what anyone had in mind.

The streets are quiet, yet Americans are louder than ever. Healthcare workers are outraged at the ever-changing CDC recommendations — one recent amendment recommended that hospitals running low on N95 masks should ask nurses and doctors treating COVID-19 patients to use “bandanas or face cloths” instead. Parents are reaching their wits ends as they navigate homeschooling and working from home. And millions of others are dancing their way through apps like TikTok in an effort to find some light in a time of darkness.

Now, more than ever, we need to nourish our bodies and minds. It’s easy to feel lonely while social distancing, and there’s no shortage of free time for our anxious thoughts to creep in. Our normal coping mechanisms — social gatherings, gym workouts, the comfort of a predictable routine — have been taken away from us and we’ve come down with the big, fat, ‘rona blues.

Here are five strategies for beating the blues:

1. Journal

Did you know that journaling can actually help your brain control your emotions? Psychologists have found that journaling reduces activity in the amygdala, the part of our brain that controls the intensity of our emotions.

Start with just writing three things that you’re feeling and three things that you’re grateful for that day, and see how you feel when you’re done. Staring at that blank sheet of paper might be intimidating for those new to journaling, but you don’t need to write pages and pages.

An entry a day keeps the blues away. (Photo credit: Brian Olson)

2. Move your body

Research shows that exercise can effectively treat depression. According to Dr. Michael Craig Miller, assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, exercise works as well as antidepressants for some people. It’s especially effective when paired with vitamin D which strengthens the immune system.

Take some time each day to move for at least 20-30 minutes. Ideally you can get outside in the sun for some vitamin D but if not, open those blinds and crack a window or two. Breathe in some fresh air and get moving with a Zumba or yoga class. Or if structured exercise isn’t your thing, just turn on your favorite playlist and dance it out!

A chance to dance!

3. Socialize virtually

Try to think of social distancing as physical distancing. You don’t need to cut off all social ties.

Give your friends and family a FaceTime or Zoom call — they are most likely feeling just as lonely as you. Invite your friends to a Netflix Party, a Chrome add-on which synchronizes video playback and adds group chat so you can have a movie night together. Cook your family’s favorite recipe together over Skype or FaceTime, or join PlantPure Kitchen Live for an interactive cooking class every Thursday at 6:30pm ET.

All members of the family are invited

4. Create structure

Interestingly, having a routine can actually improve mental health. Having a predictable and structured routine can bring a sense of control as well as accomplishment as tasks are completed.

Millions of Americans are feeling a devastating loss of control in their lives as they adjust to unemployment or working from home. Find things that provide you with some sense of structure and control. Maybe walk the dog every morning after breakfast, find something nice to wear, and make a to-do list. While it might feel silly at first, having a routine will help you feel energized and in control again.

Read a classic novel, or start writing your own (Photo courtesy of Will Krakow)

5. Revisit old hobbies and explore new ones

If you’re used to 40 hour work weeks and a jam-packed schedule, a blank calendar may evoke feelings of discomfort and uncertainty. After years of being told what to do and when to do it by teachers, parents, and bosses, suddenly we’re expected to fill that calendar ourselves.

This is the perfect chance to catch up on some of the interests you may have neglected in the past. Hobbies promote creativity and imagination while strengthening problem-solving abilities. They allow us to forget about our stress while stimulating our mind and boosting our energy.

Capture spring with a retro flare by taking up film photography

So take this time to catch up on some of those novels you’ve been dying to read. Or perhaps you should show some love to that old guitar that’s spent the last two years collecting dust in your attic. Maybe you want to finally start learning a new language. Por qué no?

Don’t fear the empty calendar weeks ahead. Embrace them, and fill those days with the things that nourish your heart and soul the most.