How to Thrive & Not Just Survive

COVID19 & SOCIAL DISTANCING

May marks Mental Health Awareness month with yet more social distancing in place across the country. Looking after yours and other’s mental health wellbeing is even more vital as social distancing takes it toll on our nation. The Event Solutions’ team wants to be part of the solution (#BePartofTheSolution) and have put together some resources on how you can not just survive, but THRIVE during the Shelter-in-Place orders. There are so many ways to stay busy during the last few weeks of the Shelter-in-Place orders. Below are some ideas for fun and creative ways to stay occupied at home or while practicing social distancing.

Safe Things You Can Do:

Call A Family Member
Renew a Friendship
Create with Legos
Re-Read a Book
Make a Paper Hat
Garden for Bees
Splash in Cool Water
Clean Out a Closet
Organize a Shelf
Netflix and Chill
Go Through Winter Clothes
Help a Person in Need
Sing Along Party

Build a Fort
Play a Card Game
Write a Family Tree
Start a Recycle Plan
Plan a Future Event/Party
Water Balloon Fight
Thank a Delivery Worker
Make a Card
Create a New Game
Scrapbook
Play Charades
Try a New Hairdo
Create a Vision Board

Backyard Camping
Trivia Night
Dance Party
Stargazing
Create a New Recipe
Puzzle Time
Create a Craft
Bake Cookies
Paper Airplanes
Play “I Spy”
Go for a Walk
Have a Picnic
Write a Letter

Distance is Not the Same Thing As Isolation

While we are practicing social distancing, please remember distance is not the same thing as isolation. Please reach out to friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, and those around you while maintaining at least 6 feet apart. If you or someone you know need help, please reach out. You can find resources at MentalHealth.gov

Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression

Feeling some occasional anxiety or depression is normal during trying times like these, but if these feelings are chronic and interfere with your day-to-day you should seek professional help. Symptoms of anxiety and depression include:

Excessive Worry
Fight or Flight
Agitation
Irritable
Restlessness
Diet Changes
Lack of Interest

Insomnia and Sleep Issues
Fatigue
OCD Type Behavior
Issues Concentrating
Isolation
Tense Feeling
Hopelessness

Development of Phobias/Paranoia
Sadness and/or Guilt
Panic Attacks
Racing Heart
Rapid Breathing
Excessive Crying

Natural Ways to Beat Anxiety & Depression

Keeping busy is one part. If you find anxiety and depression creeping up on you, there are some natural ways to beat it back. If your feelings are chronic and/or interfering with your everyday life, please contact a professional for treatment. Sources for below suggestions are WebMD, Healthline, Healthline2, Psychology Today and MayoClinic.

Keep a Routine
Stay Busy
Get Sunshine
Set a Goal
Build Endorphins Through Exercise
Cook Healthy Recipes
Find Ways to Relax (See Things to Do Above)
Keep a Journal
Meditation
Yoga
Music and Aromatherapy
This Too Will Pass Mindset

Get Appropriate Amounts of Sleep
Call Your Mom
Call a Friend/Family Member
Do Good, Feel Good
Create/View Art
Watch/Read Something Funny
Deep Breathing
Spot 5 Things with All 5 Senses
Challenge the Negative
Try Something New
Play/Have Fun
Clean/Be Productive
Reward Yourself

Look Ahead
Plan Something in the Future
Join a Group
Tree Bathing
Write a Gratitude List
Post It Compliments
Thank Someone
Connect with Someone
Vent
Dress Up
Pamper Yourself
Eat Chocolate (in moderation)
Drink Chamomile Tea

What Not to Do

In order to avoid triggering anxiety, depression, and paranoia – the WHO recommends limiting your intake of the news to once a day. Here is a list of things to avoid to help your mental health.

Limit News
Limit Caffeine
Don’t Drink Alcohol
Fight the Wish to Isolate
Avoid Waddling

Everything in Moderation
Avoid Unrealistic Goals
Don’t Listen to the Negative
Avoid Too Much Sugar
“Diet” and “Light” Products

Highly Processed Foods
Energy Drinks
Giving into OCD Tenancies
Excessive Sleep
Taking on Too Much, Too Fast

Be Part of the Solution

If you or someone you know is having a hard time keeping their mental health in check, please reach out. There are a number of resources available to help fight addition and sustenance abuse, depression, anxiety, and even fun/safe ways to pass this Shelter-at-Home time.