5 Good Ways to Look After Your Mental Health During Covid-19 isolation

By Amelia Grant

Isolation is harmful to our mental health since we are creatures that need to be in close contact with others. For most, love and attention from our family and friends gives life meaning and a reason for our existence.

Separation and isolation can destroy our spirit and cause stress, therefore it’s no surprise that a long period of isolation can negatively affect our wellbeing.

Of course, many of us are feeling stressed and anxious now. However, it’s important to understand that chronic anxiety can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health. Loneliness, boredom, anger, and jealousy will all lower your immune system.

What things can we do to feel okay now during this scary global pandemic? We’ve collected five tips that will help you improve your mood, function better, and deal with life circumstances and change your attitude about the current abnormal world.

#1 Keep yourself busy

Being busy will help you keep your mind clear and will give you a chance to do things you always keep putting off. Being busy means constantly doing something that brings joy or helps you better yourself. Practice yoga, try meditation, read inspiring books, and learn new things. All these activities will help you reduce stress and stay calm.

While you might be busy working from home during the week, the weekends can feel particularly long right now. You can pick one or more activities or projects for the day and focus on that. Do some gardening, write to your friends, and get creative. It will address feelings of isolation. Doing different things will positively affect your overall well-being.

#2 Improve your sleep quality

Sleep is essential for our overall health including brain health. Sleep provides us with necessary and vital restoration, makes room for new memories, and prepares us for the new day. When you lack sleep you don’t let your body restore which provokes a decrease in the immune system.

If you suffer from sleep issues you can take magnesium- a mineral that helps maintain healthy and quality sleep. Foods like broccoli and almonds are good sources of magnesium, so try adding them to your diet. Consult your primary care physician, they will help you find other options that can be helpful in boosting your sleep.

#3 Move your body

Physical activity is vital for our health, however, it works in specific ways to maintain brain function. According to different studies, intense exercise enhances immune activity and brain health. During exercise, the heart rate rises which causes increased blood flow to the brain. Improved blood flow allows your brain to get more oxygen and nutrients and thus work better. Exercise is good for us especially under quarantine and isolation.

Physical activity also helps us maintain a healthy nervous system by promoting the formation of new neurons and the strengthening of brain neural pathways in the brain. Regular cardiovascular training is the best way to promote neuroplasticity in the brain. Even 30 minutes a day of cardiovascular exercise can boost the production of new synapses.

Try nootropics
Nootropics are supplements that can make you smarter. They are able to improve memory, intelligence, motivation, attention, and concentration which can be helpful during the pandemic. Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin b12, and curcumin are considered the most effective nootropics.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The brain is 60 percent fat which means it needs omega-3 fatty acids to work properly. Look for krill oil since it’s the purest source of omega-3. Scientists have found that krill oil lowers inflammation more effectively than fish oils.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is especially important for your brain. Unlike most vitamins, B12 is accumulated in the body for long-term use. Actually, vegans have a higher risk of deficiency, since B12 is only contained in animal products. Lack of vitamin B12 can lead to a variety of neurological diseases.
Curcumin
Curcumin is contained in turmeric root and gives turmeric its color and flavor. This ingredient actually has great anti-inflammatory properties. According to a University of California study, twice-daily supplementation with 80mg of curcumin extract significantly improved memory, attention, and mood in people with mental disorders.

#4 Boost your immune system

Yes, you can improve your immune system via your brain. Meditation will help you. It’s is relaxing and can improve your immune system, as well. According to various studies, meditation improves the activity in the prefrontal cortex – a region in your brain that works like the command center for the body’s immune system.

#5 Practice gratitude

Gratitude is crucial for staying mentally strong. Just some time reflecting on the world and find out what three things you are grateful for. In fact, gratitude is a strong emotion and considered a good way to boost mental health. Try to spend several minutes in the evening and write down three things that happen to you each day like laughing with a child or listening to the music you love.

Author Bio

I am Amelia Grant, journalist, and blogger. I think that information is a great force that is able to change people’s lives for the better. That is why I feel a strong intention to share useful and important things about health self-care, wellness and other advice that may be helpful for people.   
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