The past few days have been quite stressful. And to add fuel to this fire of anxiety is social media. A lot of information (and misinformation) is being thrown our way and it’s overwhelming. All of us are struggling to hold on and find a way to sail through without panicking. While this may seem difficult, it’s possible. Here are seven tips to improve mental health in these difficult times.

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1. Write it down

Write a poem, a paragraph, or pages worth of text. It doesn’t matter. Do whatever feels best for you. Writing about what you are feeling is always therapeutic. And when you write in your diary, it’s only for you, there’s no judgement coming your way. So, pour out all your emotions. Whether it’s anxiety, sadness, frustration, or fear, just write and give an outlet to all the multitude of emotions you are feeling.

2. Start a self-care routine

I know the urge to be glued to your screen to know what’s happening is all too powerful. But put that phone down and switch off the TV. Set aside some time that isn’t about the news or essential tasks. Indulge in a 10-step skincare routine or read a book. Game, if that’s something that excites you, or listen to music or meditate. But do something apart from reading the news. Do what calms you and makes you feel better.

3. Sleep well

At this time, you might be feeling too stressed or anxious to have a peaceful sleep, but it’s important. Try your best to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep daily. Keep your phone aside an hour before bedtime. Instead, pick up a book or listen to some soothing, meditative music to help you unwind. You can also take a walk before bed, it will not only help you feel better but will also tire you out.

4. Do breathing exercises

Breathing exercises help lower the stress in your body. So, if what might happen next is stressing you out, take a few deep breaths. Count to 10 and breathe slowly. In a high-stress situation, this is your superpower. Changing breathing patterns helps your body break out of the fight-or-flight response and relax.

5. Ask for help

Times like these are stressful for all of us. So, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. If all of this feels too overpowering, reach out to a friend. Know that you always have someone in your corner. You’re only human, and you have your limits. Don’t suffer alone.

6. Don’t pour from an empty cup

You don’t always have to help others out when they ask for it. Only do it if you are in a position to do it. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so don’t force yourself. Tell people around you that you are overwhelmed and can’t help. No one is going to hold that against you.

7. Be mindful of using social media

With so many people posting so many opinions and fake news circulating like wildfire, it’s easy to feel disturbed. Instead of scrolling endlessly on social media, only get your information from trusted sources. If someone’s posts or stories are making you feel anxious in any way, unfollow or mute them.

At the end of the day, what is happening is not in our control, and we can’t shut our eyes to it. But we need to give ourselves a little break to feel better again.

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