Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our days are looking much different. No more hanging out with friends at cafes, no more dreading going to school everyday. This new self-isolated lifestyle can lead to a low mental health and negative thoughts.

But do not fret. These simple tips can help boost your mental health. All these tips can be practiced in the comfort of your home without needing many things. 

Gratitude

Have a bunch of empty notebooks lying around? Start a gratitude journal. Even though we are currently in a very tough time, there is still so much to be grateful for. Reminding yourself about the small good things in life can help lift up your spirits. It can be as simple as being grateful for the bed you woke up in, or the yummy food you had for lunch. Gratitude can improve your physical, psychological and mental health, and improve self-esteem. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it will make your day that much happier. 

Meditation

Meditation is a really helpful practice in order to release negativity and have a positive mindset. I used to think that meditation would be harmful to my overthinking brain, but using YouTube channels such as Yoga with Adriene can help channel your thoughts into positivity. There are many free meditation apps, such as Calm and Headspace that are free for download, and aid in your everyday meditation. 

Meditation is scientifically known to help anxiety, reduce stress and improve physical and mental health. Meditation in the early morning, or whenever you wake up will guide your day to success. 

Have a consistent sleep schedule

Sleep is a great remedy for mental health. Having a consistent sleep schedule will help you feel energized and motivated for the day. Too much or too little sleep results in tiredness, laziness and negativity. Since we do not have specific times to attend classes or complete work, now is a great time to catch up on sleep for at least eight hours a day. This way, the brain can recharge and be nourished for the next day. 

Staying hydrated

One simple way to stay energized and happy is by drinking your H2O. I recommend setting a reminder that repeats every hour, so that you will not forget. I have been drinking one glass of water every hour since shelter in place orders, and I have never felt so active and high-spirited for long periods of time. Water has so many benefits such as boosting metabolism, energizing muscles and delivers oxygen throughout the body, leaving you feeling active and joyful throughout the entire day. 

Do things at your own pace

With a less set-in-stone schedule, you can work on things at your own pace. If you are feeling overwhelmed, take a break and do something you enjoy. The recommended study schedule is 30 minute study blocks with five minute breaks in between. With all of the extra time we have, take things slow and at your own rate. There is no need to rush things or have extra stress about not having enough time to do things. 

Talk to someone

Sometimes, there is no better way to get rid of negative feelings than talking to people and getting all of your thoughts out. Do not bottle up your emotions; it only makes it worse. FaceTiming a friend, having a face to face conversation with a parent, or emailing a trusted teacher are all great ways to receive help while practicing self-isolation. If you’re by yourself, a good way to vent and get your feelings out is talking to the camera. You can delete the video after, but talking to a camera still feels like you are talking to someone.  

Remember, you are not alone. We are all facing the pandemic together, and keeping a positive lookout on the life we are living will make this situation much easier. 

Gallery • 4 Photos

Camila Flores

The Sidekick sophomore staff writer Sreeja Mudumby provides various tips to keep a healthy mindset during quarantine. Due to the outbreak of the coronavirus, citizens have been practicing social distance for weeks to reduce risk of contagion.

Follow @sreejamudumby and @CHSCampusNews on Twitter