How I Started Prioritizing My Mental Health Throughout the Pandemic

Two years have gone by since COVID-19 was declared a worldwide pandemic.  It is easy to feel like our mental health plummets every time we hear about new COVID variants, rising cases, and new phases of lockdown. As I write this, it’s unbelievable that I can say it without even thinking twice – that’s how used to it we’ve become. I’ve never felt as anxious and sad as I have throughout the pandemic. Before going into lockdown, I never really struggled with mental health. Sure, I’d have my ups and downs, but I could always push through it and carry on with a positive attitude. Recently, I’ve struggled the most with finding the motivation to do things that make me happy again. It’s so easy to sit, mindlessly scrolling on TikTok for hours, or binge-watching TV shows and movies on Netflix (my most recent being the Harry Potter series). I’ve felt lonely, hopeless, and utterly depressed at times, but one day, I told myself that enough is enough; I was finally going to do something about it. For two years, I’ve felt like I was waiting for life to begin again – for school, stores, and restaurants to reopen so that I could finally start living. However, that day, I decided to take charge of my life and habits because there is no better time to start than the present. Here are three things I’ve started doing that have helped ease my anxiety and pandemic-related depression. If you’re in the same boat as me, they might be helpful tips for you to try as well.  

1. I Started Doing Yoga (And Actually Taking The Time To Breathe)

Honestly, yoga was never a practice I enjoyed. I used to be very impatient and couldn’t be bothered with holding a pose for more than three seconds. However, I decided to try it again because I’m striving to be more open to new experiences that help me grow. And to my surprise, I enjoyed it. Practicing yoga allowed me to clear my mind and truly be present, something my anxiety doesn’t often let me do. Even if it’s just for 5 or 10 minutes a day or a week – whatever you prefer, it’s something worth trying. Yoga has been beneficial for my focus, and most importantly, my motivation. It has become a part of my routine that I do once a week, where I take time to reflect on my goals and remind myself that everything will be okay.  

2. I Stopped Checking My Phone First Thing In The Morning 

I’m not going to sugar-coat it; my screen-time has gone up significantly since being in lockdown. I’ve become so dependent on my phone, and it’s only worsened my anxiety. I’m constantly searching for that rush of dopamine I get from receiving a Snapchat notification or seeing a funny TikTok. Checking my phone first thing in the morning was not a healthy habit I was maintaining. It slowed down my day, and when I had to snap back to reality, I’d find myself in a bad mood already. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and resist checking my phone right after waking up.  Gradually, I changed this old negative pattern into a healthy new habit. Instead of checking my phone in the mornings, I’ll start my morning routine immediately. Changing this habit has significantly impacted my overall mood and starts my day with no stress. 

3. I Started Going On Mental Health Walks (It Works)

There has been a recurring trend on TikTok with users sharing their experiences with going on “mental health walks.” During lockdown with nowhere to go, walks are a good way for clearing your mind – I know it has helped me. I never believed they were very beneficial in the past and didn’t take the time to prioritize them. While I was trapped in my house watching Netflix until my eyes started to burn  – we’ve all been there – I’d force myself to get up, close my computer, and go out for a walk. It helped a lot with time away from my screen, breathing in the fresh air, and taking time to refresh. If going on walks alone isn’t your thing, try going with a friend or a family member; I promise, it’s an activity worth trying. 
We’ve been brought up in a culture where productivity is praised and taking time for ourselves is judged. Staying at home worsened my anxiety because I didn’t feel like I had a routine anymore. But whether we are stuck at home or not, practicing self-care is essential for our productivity, creativity, and motivation. We must start doing more activities that make us happy without feeling guilty. We need to let go of the voice in our heads telling us that this isn’t what we’re supposed to be doing. Prioritizing time for yourself is essential for your mental health and happiness, especially during a time when it becomes harder to look forward to life again.