Six Things You Need to Know to Boost Your Sanity During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Cynthia Amin • October 26, 2020
Covid-19 has presented everyone with new challenges and stresses. With so much to consider during these trying times, I would like to share with you some tips for improving mental health and avoiding burnout. I am sure you will agree that travel is an important aspect in many people’s lives. Being unable to travel creates stress and puts a void in our lives.
Traveling is the ultimate mental release; it takes you away giving you a break from your routine. It puts you in a place that is totally different and takes you out of your comfort zone. During travel you find yourself in a different place interacting with different people that have different experiences. This is enlightening, inspiring and so motivating that it lifts your mental health and your spirits significantly.
Covid-19 affects us both personally and professionally. We are all forced to deal with a significant amount of uncertainty and loss. This loss can be either professional or personal, but it is nonetheless real, and we must learn how to cope.
Here are my suggestions on how to stay sane during the Covid-19 pandemic.
1. Physical activity
Physical activity can help you cope with stressful situations. For me, I like to take a walk to clear my head. This can be a short 30 – 60-minute walk or just a quick jog outside. Normally, I would be at the gym taking Zumba, Pilates, and Yoga classes, but I am not ready to go back to the gym. Physical activity produces the happy hormones, serotonin and dopamine and these hormones can brighten your mood.
2. Nutrition is important
Try to stay away from heavy carbs. If you overdo the carbs, your blood sugar levels can get too high. This causes your body to make more insulin, which tells your cells to save the extra glucose as fat. That can be unhealthy if you're already carrying a few extra pounds. It is also suggested that you avoid excessive caffeine because caffeine creates highs and lows, and you will eventually crash and burn. Instead, it is better to keep yourself hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.
3. Create a new routine
For most of us, our days are a lot different than they were before the pandemic. But it is suggested that we stick to and follow a familiar routine. Creating a routine and maintaining a routine can be comforting during these trying times. Just make sure you are maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands. Do not continue to think, live in the past, or dwell on what you used to do, because this can create a significant amount of anxiety and depression.
4. Focus on things that you can control
Everyone is dealing with uncertainties and we see the world and circumstances changing every day. We are uncertain about our employment, our lives, and our businesses. What we need to do is focus and concentrate on the things that we can control. What we must do is realize that a lot of things are out of our control and we need to focus and concentrate on the things that we can control.
5. Get a good night’s sleep
It’s easier said than done, but it is recommended that we get seven to eight hours of sleep a night. However, stress and anxiety can prohibit us from getting enough sleep. Physical activity will help to exhaust us, which may in turn help us get a good night sleep. That is another reason why we should exercise. Also, it is a good idea to turn off all electronics so that our mind will not continuously be stimulated.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
If you feel you need professional help, do not be afraid to seek support from your loved ones, your friends, or health professionals. During these trying times, everyone understands that we may feel anxious, depressed, or sad. If we have a loved one that we can confide in, that is great or if we need to seek professional help, remember there is no shame in asking for help.
I hope you have enjoyed these six (6) tips on how to stay sane during the pandemic.
Do you have any additional suggestions on how to stay sane during the pandemic? If so, please comment below.
If you like this article, please share with your friends and family.
In the meantime, stay inspired,
Cindy










