In the midst of uncertainty and isolation, maintaining our mental health is more crucial than ever. With daily routines disrupted and stress levels high, incorporating simple yet effective practices can make a world of difference. These daily tips for mental health, encapsulated in the acronym SNAPS – Sleep, Nutrition, Activity, Play, and Soul Care – serve as a guide to staying grounded, connected, and emotionally resilient during these challenging times.
SNAPS
I recently saw an article on The Forks and Knives site that talked about SNAPS to remember what we need to do daily for our sanity and to take care of our mental health.
Sleep enough and not too much. Try to maintain a healthy sleep schedule.
Be sure to eat for healthy Nutrition. Not only will this keep your immune system boosted it will help mitigate depression and anxiety.
Get moving, with physical Activity. Exercise is so important during these times. It boosts serotonin levels to ward off depression and anxiety. It is so important to get out of your house daily. The beaches here are now closed. My happy place. Now I walk, run, and bike around my neighborhood for what feels like hours a day with my Pitbull who needs a ton of exercise. I am home, working virtually, and if he doesn’t have enough exercise he barks during my sessions!
It amazes me the amount of exercise classes you can find on YouTube. There is no excuse for not exercising daily now. We have plenty of time.
Play. This is so important! Be sure to play with family and friends even if it must be on Zoom. I’ve had more than one dance party with my family on Zoom. Don’t forget to take a virus break and find some joy and laughter.
Remember to nourish your Soul. Now is a great time to find the space and time to meditate or to take a yoga class on YouTube.
By now almost all of us in the United States are sheltering in place. I am still working virtually and in person as needed. I am also offering reduced fees during this crisis time.
I am sure you have all read many articles suggesting things you can do with your now down time at home. I may not be suggesting anything different but perhaps you will find a new idea, so I am going to tell you some ideas I have or ideas I have seen in my readings recently.
Things you can do to with your down time to maintain your mental health
- Adult Coloring Books – Have you ever used an Adult Coloring Book? This is a great activity to keep you grounded and mindful. It is also a wonderful coping skill when you are experiencing anxiety. There are some cool ones out there or just grab whatever you must draw and color with and doodle, draw, or color.
- Journal – Now is a perfect time to start journaling. This is the craziest time I have seen in my life. What about you? Keeping a journal of how you are spending your days, how you are feeling, and having your kids do the same not only passes time but is a record of what went on during this time. Journaling is also a healthy coping skill for mental health issues.
- Learn communication skills – We are all learning new ways of communicating with each other during this time. Healthy communication is not only a valuable practice for adults but also for children who may be experiencing stress or confusion during this time. Help your children express their emotions by talking to them, giving them an assignment to draw their emotions out helping them to journal if they are old enough. I have a friend who is having her teens journal everyday during this crazy time. Here is a link to their online Coronavirus Blog: https://thequaranteenys.com/
- Zoom with family – How are you communicating with friends and family? The other night my family from all over the country got together and had a Zoom family get-together. It was fun with a little bit of stress with the family dynamics as if we had gotten together in person. I found that very interesting. Families are families virtually or in person! Have you tried the Zoom platform? It is very cool! Zoom.us
- Check in with friends – I am checking in with my inner circle people daily by text, phone, messaging, and face-time. Don’t forget to frequently contact people who may be quarantined and alone. My 75-year-old mother has been calling all the single people on lists from her church and her neighborhood to check in with them and just to say hello. She tells me she has made some new friends by doing this.
- Play a new game – Although I do not usually promote video game playing, I have had several people who have told me about the new game Animal Crossing. Apparently, it is about building community on an island. The characters are animals. There is no violence. One person told me the game is “wish fulfillment, relaxing and escapism”.
- Learn a new skill – Try to teach yourself or learn a new skill through YouTube. Have you wanted to learn an instrument? Because I am doing virtual sessions, I noticed a client’s Guitar in the background I asked if he played and he told me he had bought it 12 years ago in the hopes of teaching himself to play. He told me he now has the time to learn he just must wipe the dust off the instrument!
- Try a new hairstyle – Can you imagine if this crisis had occurred before the Internet? I don’t even want to imagine that! I taught myself to French braid my hair. Something I had never had the patience or ability to do. Now with more time on my hands, and not rushing to get to the office I have had more time post shower and was able to make my first French braid!
- Play a game with loved ones – My husband and I have been having a fierce Backgammon tournament. I can’t even remember the last time I played a game! Board games are great family activities. Amazon is still delivering, and games can be inexpensive.
Whatever you find to do to keep yourself sane during this locked in period remember to try to find some joy every day. Be grateful for the small things. Remember to tell those you love you love them every single day even ten times a day because these times are so unpredictable.
Take care of your mental health in whatever ways you can. If you need help or some ideas, please reach out to me or any other mental health workers. You are not alone! We are all, globally, in this together!
In Kindness,
MM