Quarantine options for Mental Health by Abhiram Singireddy

We're in the midst of a global pandemic, that is having a toll on everyone in one way or another. In these uncertain times: people are losing their jobs, seniors have a great risk of being affected by COVID-19, and we are all confined inside our homes. There are plenty of stress-causing factors that we are all facing, and this situation looks to be the case for the foreseeable future. However, there are many ways to combat the stress that we may be experiencing.

1) Talk to friends and family

When we are stuck inside our homes, it can seem as though our communication with the outside world is cut. Yet, this is not the case since you can call, video call, and text anyone via your computer/phone. Having video calls with your friends and family is a fun and unique way to pass the time and stay somewhat normal.

2) Meditate

Meditation is a practice that is aimed at achieving a mentally and emotionally calm and stable state. Meditation can help us to eliminate negative thoughts, worries, anxiety, all factors that can prevent us from feeling happy. It has been proved that the practice of meditation, carried out on a regular basis, will mitigate the symptoms of stress and anxiety. It would be a good idea to meditate when you are feeling stressed since mediation eliminates stress by definition.

3) Limit your intake of news

It is important to stay up to date about COVID-19, by watching the news, reading an article online, watching a video, and even reading a newspaper. Having the right info about the risks of contracting COVID-19 and reasons for self-quarantine and social distancing can help you from believing that something is far worse than it actually is. Limit the number of media options that you really need, and trust. science-backed sources like the CDC and news from your state or local government and health department sites, which can advise you on issues such as park closings or transit changes in your area. Nevertheless, too much information can be overwhelming. Information overload is the state of feeling overwhelmed by the volume of information to the point at which one feels more confused than knowledgeable about a particular topic. Taking in too much information can cause stress as the brain becomes overworked as it tries to process this information while looking to find more.

4) Don't work on something too long
There have been instances where everyone has worked on something, whether that be big or small that has to lead to them being stressed. Working on completing an assignment for school for the last few hours? Consider taking a break. Doing more exercise than you can handle? Consider taking a break. There are many ways that we could've caused more stress than we need to when making the decision not to take a break. Working for long stretches without breaks leads to stress and exhaustion. Taking breaks refreshes the mind, replenishes your mental resources, and helps you become more creative.

5) Go for a walk

Even the simplest of actions can help alleviate stress, such as taking a walk outside. Walking helps reduce stress, cheers you up and increases self-esteem: this is because walking releases your body's natural happy drugs - endorphins. Walking is a great way to get your body moving and get some fresh air into your lungs. Go for a walk. Right now if possible! Tell anyone you might need to tell that you need 15 minutes, put shoes on, and go outside. If you are healthy, if you pick a place and time of day where you can keep your distance from others, you can still go outside. When going outside, make sure that you maintain a 6 feet distance