Let’s just be blunt about it. This situation and all the changes to everyday life (although necessary) that came with it are a pain in the neck.
Just as there seemed to be a glimmer of hope, hot spots started popping up again causing some areas to postpone their plans to reopen.
After being on this emotional rollercoaster for the past few months, both you and your family are overwhelmed.
Unfortunately, this is the case for many households across the country. It has seemingly taken over life as we know it with no idea of when it will all end.
It evokes feelings of anger, frustration, sadness, worry, fear, and panic. If left unresolved, it can lead to mental illnesses like chronic stress, anxiety, or depression.
Seeing as how this isn’t something you want for you or your family, it is essential that you know how to keep your emotions under control while also supporting and encouraging your family to do the same.
Here’s some advice for keeping your family’s mental health positive:
Unplug
Though modern technology is your only source of connection to the outside world right now, too much exposure can cause stress, anxiety, or depression. This is especially true if the majority of your day is spent accessing the news.
If you’re not socializing with friends and family, conducting business, shopping for essentials, or getting an education, it’s best you unplug.
Communicate Often
There is a lot of information out there about what is happening. While some of it is enlightening and educational, some of it is false and misleading.
The purpose of this type of negative content is to spark fear and confusion. You can help to ease those fears by regularly communicating about current times as a family.
Obtain your information from a reputable source and share what you’ve learned, ask your children how they’re coping, or talk one-on-one with your spouse about their struggles.
In doing so, you help to combat any misinformation they might be receiving while also allowing them to vent and ease their anxieties.
Remember to give praise and words of encourage to your children and loved ones – it can do so much to lighten someone’s day and outlook!
Spend Quality Time Together
If there’s one good thing about all this, it’s that families now have more time than ever to spend together.
You’re already isolated from extended family and friends, why isolate yourself in your own home?
You can provide comfort and improve the emotional wellbeing of your family by spending some quality time together.
You can watch movies together, play board games, or plan a camping trip in your backyard.
Maintain Healthy Habits
Though it can be pretty easy to neglect your health with all that’s going on, it does nothing for your emotional wellbeing.
The foods you eat, your level of physical activity, and the amount of self-care you invest in yourself have a significant impact on your mental health.
Make sure that you’re keeping up with healthy habits like eating well-balanced meals and exercising regularly.
Cooking at home, learning new recipes, preparing meals with the family, and working out together are all ways to ensure your physical and mental health remain intact.
Get Sleep
The kids fall out of routine since there’s no school and start going to bed later. You, on the other hand, are tossing and turning as you deal with all the stress of current times.
No one in your household is getting the rest they need and it won’t be long before it manifests psychologically. Lack of sleep leads to confusion, lack of focus, irritability, moodiness, and depression.
Make sure that everyone is getting the shuteye they need. Create a bedtime routine for the kids to ensure they’re in bed by a decent hour.
As for yourself, consider sleep aids like weighted blankets by YNM to ease anxiety for improved sleep. You can also try these tips that work for me to get a good night’s rest when I’m traveling – they work at home too!
There’s a lot to be anxious, depressed, or even stress out about right now. Your entire way of life is likely different and feels like a constant roller coaster.
As challenging as this all is, it is imperative that you do the best you can to protect the emotional health of yourself and your family.
No information provided on SurfandSunshine.com is intended to cure, prevent, diagnose or treat any disease. Please consult your health care provider regarding any health related decisions.