How to Deal with Depression During Coronavirus

There is no doubt that COVID-19 is causing enormous feelings of fear and anxiety throughout the U.S and all over the world. These feelings not only can give rise to depression, but it can also compound the feelings of hopelessness for those already coping with this illness. With an emphasis on social distancing, people struggling with depression have fewer opportunities to contact with therapists and those in their social network for support. Fortunately, there are simple and effective ways people can deal with depression during Coronavirus.

One of the simplest ways to minimize depression during Coronavirus is to practice gratitude on a daily basis. Simply defined, gratitude is the act of being thankful for what you have in life—no matter how or trivial it may seem. The best way to practice gratitude is to think of one thing you are grateful for when you first wake up in the morning. If you need to, write it down in a journal. It is also helpful to write down what you are grateful for at the end of the day before you go to bed. Thinking of the positive things in your life can change your brain waves and thus have positive changes on how you look at life.

Because the virus has significantly impacted the workplace and school, the daily routine you enjoyed has gone out the proverbial window. While it may be hard to do, creating a daily schedule will help minimize the anxiety and hopelessness associated with depression. Schedule things such as making the bed, doing laundry, phoning a friend or family member, or going for a daily walk. Following a daily schedule will make you feel better, make you happier and more productive during your day.

A great way to deal with depression during the Coronavirus is to simply get outside and enjoy nature. By simply being outdoors and appreciating the wonders of nature that surround you, it can improve your psychological well-being. Activities include going for a daily walk, taking a hike along a nature trail, exploring the woods and going for a jog. The best thing about being outdoors is that you can experience the benefits of psychological well-being in as little as 20 minutes per day.

It is important to get a restful sleep every night. Getting a good night’s sleep helps reset your brain and body and gives you the energy to deal with the day. During times of high stress such as the current pandemic, sleep can be easily disturbed and therefore throw off your internal clock. As a result, the stress and anxiety that can lead to depression can affect your daily life. To correct this, be sure you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. It is best not to eat and/or exercise right before bed. Additionally, you should put away electronic devices and focus on reading a magazine or book before bed to help you fall asleep.

Along with restful sleep, eating healthy is important in helping your brain and body function at an optimal level. When you are dealing with stress, it can be easy to not watch what you eat. If you eat junk food or foods low in valuable nutrients, you are more susceptible to experiencing higher levels of stress and anxiety. Be sure that your daily diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and dairy. Focus on eating several smaller meals each day and having nutritious snacks. It is also important to drink plenty of water to keep hydrated each day.