The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

With anxiety high across the globe and our communities faced with unprecedented uncertainty, it is natural to feel uneasy. Mental health suffers when we feel panicked and fearful of the unknown.

This is why it is so important for us to try and remain calm, adequately informed, and compassionate towards our fellow human beings as we face unexpected challenges. Below are a few suggestions for prioritizing your mental health and emotional well-being amidst the chaos.

• Remember that while you did not choose the current situation, you are not helpless. You can always choose how you respond. Focus on what is within your control. You can practice social distancing, focus on increased hygiene, and limit your exposure to the news.

• Consider what helps you feel more secure. Practices that help others may not be beneficial for you. If planning activities for yourself and your children to stay occupied during an at home quarantine is something that allows you to feel productive, then go for it! However, if the thought of creating an agenda raises your anxiety, play things by ear and focus on relaxing.

• Try and get out for some fresh air, a walk, and sunshine. Even just a little Vitamin D and gentle movement can help your mental health tremendously. You don’t have to get together with other people; a solo walk is still very beneficial.

• Don’t hesitate to reach out to your support system. Everyone is reeling from the amount of change happening, and leaning on one another (even virtually, if you are distancing yourself) helps you feel less alone. Isolation can lead to increased feelings of depression, so it is important to remain connected.

• Practice grounding and mindfulness activities in an effort to remain in the now. Mindfulness can connect us to the present rather than getting overwhelmed by everything that we cannot control.

• Find healthy and entertaining outlets of distraction. Laugh. Watch old movies. Do yoga in your home.

If we can take this time to focus on slowing down, remaining calm, and caring for our mental health then it is less likely that fear and anxiety will have the upper hand. Stay well, folks, and do not think twice about reaching out if you need to talk!