Tips for staying mentally healthy during this quarantine

1) Limit your news intake

Checking the news constantly can be a great source of anxiety and worry. Instead,
the World Health Organisation recommends limiting the amount of information to
one or two specific times per day. In addition to seeking information from reliable
sources and steer away from rumors.

2) Stay Connected

Your inability to leave the house does not have to put an end to your social life.
According to the NHS, maintaining healthy relationships is essential for a person’s
mental wellbeing. Make sure to stay connected with your friends and family and get
creative with it! You can try group calls, playing online games together, or even
streaming content together.

3) Distract Yourself

This quarantine might just be the perfect time to try that hobby you have always
wanted to learn. Or perhaps taking an online course. Whether it’s learning
something new or just binge-watching an unhealthy amount of TV shows, do not
feel guilty about the need to distract yourself during this stressful time.

4) Help Others

If you can, help others. This can be as simple as checking up on a friend or
donating to an organization. Check with your local non-profits on ways you can
help.

5) Take care of your physical health

Your physical wellbeing has a big impact on your mental health. The NHS
recommends maintaining a regular sleep pattern, eating healthy meals, avoiding
substances, and exercising once per day.

5) Practice meditation

Sura Al Muscati, Counsellor and Psychotherapist and Founder of Oasis of Hope
Counselling Center, recommends practicing meditation:

“ Practising meditation, and not thinking about the possible worst outcome can help
you control your fears and anxiety.”

Mediating can be as simple as sitting still, or you alternatively can opt for a guided
mediation on Youtube or through some phone applications such as Calm and
Headspace.

6) It’s okay to seek help

If you are struggling with intense emotions, know that you are not alone. Feel free
to seek help. Reach out to a friend, check out some self-help resources, or contact
a support line.

Resources:

Mental health and psychosocial considerations during the COVID-19 outbreak by
the WHO
10 tips to help if you are worried about coronavirus by the NHS
NHS guide to helping others
Headspace Guided Meditation Application
Calm Application
Counsellor and Psychotherapist Sura Al Muscati , @counsellorsura
Oasis of Hope Counselling Center @OasisofHope
Mental Health Self Care Tools by the InnerHour
Mental health support line by Not Alone Oman