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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Alberta chapter.

Like most, I usually find my mental health decreasing when my workload starts to increase. With the impact of COVID-19, mental health levels are decreasing to an even lower level; everyone is coping with even heavier workloads while being inside constantly. To lift my spirits and feel happier, I try to follow a few regimes and explore available resources, so I thought I’d share some with you all. 

 

Goodnewsnetwork.org is a really good site for looking at positive news stories across the globe. They may be little bits of news, but they’ll be sure to put a smile on your face. And with all the bad news plaguing the media at the moment, hearing some good news can really be uplifting. 

 

Another resource I’ve been trying to use consistently is the Divethru app. It’s an app focused on self-helping methods like journaling. They have a specific subcategory for navigating Coronavirus anxiety, with self-help tips, relaxation methods, messages from mental health professionals, and offer a free tutorial on diving into a journey of self-reflection writing. This app really helped me during the earlier stages of the pandemic. It’s not just for people who are anxious or struggling with depression, but it also allows you to document any moments of elation or happiness so you can return to those notes when you’re feeling down and out. 

 

The act of smiling can do wonders for one’s mental health because it decreases stress and increases endorphins. Doing one thing a day that makes you smile can do so much for your mental health. I found this tip quite effective, since it can be done in a shorter period of time, so it fit into my busy schedule. Some activities that can elicit a smile include watching The Office (or any comedy show) before bed, spending time with your pets, enjoying your favourite foods, listening to your favourite music, talking to your favourite people, or scrolling through your camera roll while looking at memories from happier times!

 

Everyone can use some uplifting during this time, with both school and quarantine combined. I hope these tips are super helpful in your own pursuit of happiness!

 

Safiya Dina

U Alberta '21

Safiya is currently a fourth-year student at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. She is majoring in Psychology and minoring in English within the Faculty of Sciences. When she's not studying, volunteering or working, you can catch her reading, writing, trying new foods and having wine nights with her friends!
Robin is a senior student at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta. She is getting a Science Degree, with a Psychology major and a double minor in Sociology & Biology. Part-time jobs, full-time classes, various student groups and volunteering fill most of her time. Robin is the 2020/2021 President of Her Campus at UAlberta and served as the social media director for the 2018/2019 year!