How to Survive a Pandemic with Mental Stability

Ah 2020. The year we thought all our wildest dreams would come true, whether it be career prospects, romantic relationships, graduations- you name it. Little did we know that a tiny virus would flip our lives upside down in the blink of an eye. Huge gatherings were cancelled, weddings were postponed, graduation ceremonies and prom became out of the question, campus events and activities were halted, college students were forced to move out of the dorms, and unemployment rates skyrocketed. Some were stuck with abusive family members. Worst of all, many of us have lost loved ones to the virus. We wondered: How will we feed our families? When will we be able to go back to school? Will things ever be normal again? The panic that we all shared no doubtedly impacted our mental health. I will share tips on how to cope during this time. These suggestions are geared toward college students like myself, they could be useful for anyone!

Connection

Reach out to a loved one, whether by phone, email, text, Zoom, or any form of digital communication. Talking to someone that you can trust about your feelings is very beneficial for mental health, so that you know you’re not alone. Arrange virtual movie nights, game nights, drawing sessions, and study sessions. It may not be the same as doing these things in person, but it can help you avoid isolation.

You can also expand your social circle by meeting new friends and/or acquaintances online communities. Find outlets that share your interests. I am immensely grateful to have found my virtual crew on this Facebook group called Subtle Asian Fashion, where mostly Asians who are into fashion post their ootds and fashion recommendations. As someone who is really into showing off her style, being in the group allowed me to have a platform where I can express myself. Having a community that lets you be yourself can bring you closer to others.

Find safe ways to celebrate milestones and special occasions at home. Although I couldn’t celebrate my 21st birthday last year in person, my best friends and I held a party over Facetime. Unfortunately this year, I will have to celebrate my birthday online again, as well as virtually graduate. However, I’m grateful that technology exists to connect me to my friends and peers during these pivotal milestones. Remember, just because you can’t meet up in large numbers doesn’t mean you should forego celebrating altogether. And if you plan to do so in person, make sure you and your guests follow social distancing protocol.

Give yourself time to grieve and process your emotions, whether it’s over the loss of a loved one for covid or non-covid related reasons, a relationship breakup, a friendship breakup, or simply the loss of your former life. It’s ok to not be ok.

If you or someone you know is at risk of self harm, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a hotline for help (800-273-8255). If you don’t feel comfortable enough talking to a stranger on the line, please reach out to a therapist or someone you trust. You are not alone and shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.

Relaxation

Meditate, practice yoga, or journal. There is always time to self reflect and stay grounded in the present to ease your mind. I find that keeping a gratitude journal reminds me of what I have over what I don’t have, and of the little things in life that enrich my days.

Take care of a plant. It is a form of self care.

Create your own makeshift spa and/or bubble bath. Spas may be closed during lockdown (or open to limited capacity), but that shouldn’t stop you from treating yourself to some TLC at home. You deserve to pamper yourself.

Don’t forget to take breaks from assignments, work, and/or social media every once in a while. Remember, it’s good to stay productive, but it’s just as important to let your body and mind rest so you don’t burn out. Go on walks around the block and spend time  in nature if possible.

Regulate how much information you absorb from the news. It’s normal to want to stay updated on current events, but too much negativity is unnecessarily overwhelming.  Shut off your phone and devices if you have to, so as to not get tempted into checking news outlets and social media every hour.

Self-Improvement

Make tik tok videos! Tik tok is all the rage now, and is the perfect outlet for self expression, especially while quarantined at home. You can also do trending challenges such as the pass-the-brush makeup challenge with your friends as well.

Start a new hobby or get back into an old one you haven’t picked up in ages. This could range from cooking and baking, to doing DIY crafts, making art, writing, reading a captivating novel, or knitting. Just about anything, really! Try something out that you never thought you would and it may become a new talent of yours.

Do a photoshoot for yourself or put together a virtual runway show at home- it’s a fun way to channel your inner fashionista. I am a part of a fashion runway club at school called Runway 27, and we used to host our annual shows on campus. This time, we had people submit videos of themselves doing the catwalk from the comfort of their living rooms or backyards, dressed in quarantine trends. Once we put the videos together, the team launched it as an IGTV on our page (check out @fit_runway27), and planned a watch party together on Google Meet. While this wasn’t the conventional way that we’re used to doing, it was super fun, and our models killed it! As the saying goes, ‘the show must go on.’

Exercise, get your body moving! Doing so releases endorphins which boosts your mood. Being active for even just 10 minutes a day is something.

Set a daily routine with goals. You don’t have to accomplish everything in one day but it is important to stay motivated by giving yourself something to look forward to so that you keep going. Plus, it helps you stay on track by getting things done in an organized manner.

Watch inspiring vlogs or listen to podcasts that uplift you. (One of my favorite youtubers to watch is Bubzbeauty. I always find that her vlogs empower me to be the best version of myself that I can be).

Get enough sleep, and feed your body nutritious foods. If you feel well physically, your mental health may improve, and as you have enough energy to carry on with your day.

Study in a space that’s distraction free, and don’t try to multitask everything at once.

Actively practice health safety protocol and social distancing by wearing your mask out in public, staying 6 feet away from others, disinfecting, and maintaining sanitary habits. Even if you received the vaccine, you should continue to wear a mask to protect yourself and others. Doing your part is caring and slows down the curve.

Stay hopeful

Remember, you can’t control everyone and everything that’s happening around you, but you can control how you react. Your feelings are valid. We may not know when this whole ordeal will be over, but we can take things a step at a time. If it helps, think of each day as a day closer to when the world will be covid free, and as a day closer to resuming day to day life that we knew of before the pandemic. While ‘normal’ will take on a whole other connotation in the future, don’t lose hope, even if it seems impossible not to. I can definitely say the pandemic has taught me to appreciate what I already have more than ever. I promise things will get better and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, even if it isn’t visible at first.

Written by: Stephanie Wan