Getting Through COVID-19 with Your Help and Sanity Intact

By Alyssa Martinez @ItsMariaAlyssa

To say that the novel coronavirus has shaken up countless lives would an understatement. Because of the growing threat present by COVID-19, many of us have had no choice but to make sweeping changes to our daily routines. Tasks that once seemed routine now involve a tremendous amount of risk - a situation that's made actively worse by people who still refuse to take proper safety precautions. There's no denying that these are difficult times, but getting through this pandemic with your health - and sanity - intact needn't be an uphill battle. Anyone looking for tips on weathering the current crisis will be well-served by the following pointers.

Wear a Mask Whenever You Leave Home

Wearing a protective face mask is among the most effective things you can do to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Just make sure you're wearing it properly - i.e., fully covering your mouth and nose.) For maximum protection, look for masks that contain multiple layers. Not only should masks be worn whenever you leave the house, you should also make sure to don one whenever someone new (a repairman, for example) enters your home. Furthermore, you should avoid allowing unmasked individuals to enter your residence. Although fashion shouldn't be a concern when taking precautions against the novel coronavirus, you should have no trouble finding a stylish girls face mask.

Clear Out Time for Yourself Every Day

With all the stress brought about by the current pandemic, it's easy to lose sight of oneself and fall into episodes of depression and despair. However, in spite of the horrible situation in which the world has found itself, there are still things worth being hopeful for. To help relieve yourself of the dread synonymous with COVID-19, set aside a little bit of personal time each day. Devote this period to doing things you enjoy - provided, of course, these things are safe and don't involve taking unnecessary risks. Whether you want to relax with your favorite shows, dive into a good book or simply take a nap, use this time to decompress and recharge your batteries.

Consider Remote Shopping Options

You can reduce your risk of developing COVID-19 or infecting others by taking advantage of the remote shopping options being offered by many retailers. The exact mechanics vary from business to business, but this process typically entails placing orders online and picking them up without leaving your vehicle. Remote shopping can prove particularly helpful when it comes to buying groceries. If you're unclear on whether your favorite grocers are offering this option to customers, pay a visit to their respective websites. If you're unable to find the answers you seek, simply call the stores in question. Lest you worry that remote shopping comes with a service, you'll be pleased to learn that many retailers are offering it for free.

Regularly Connect with Loved Ones

For many of us, the toughest part of this pandemic has been not being able to see friends, family members and other loved ones on a consistent basis. Since social distancing is essential to curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus, putting the breaks on family visits, friend outings and assorted gatherings is the responsible thing to do. Unfortunately, this doesn't make the situation any less difficult. For those of us who are accustomed to frequent interactions with our nearest and dearest, putting the brakes on social interaction can prove emotionally draining.

However, even if you can't see your loved ones in person, there's no rule against getting in touch with them as often as you'd like. From video chat to text messaging to traditional phone calls, there are more ways than ever to touch base with the people you love most. Additionally, if you or any of your loved ones are suffering from pandemic-facilitated mental health issues, make a point of checking in with them on a frequent basis and pointing them in the direction of remote therapists.

There's no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has facilitated big changes in the way we live our lives. Throughout the last year, working from home, donning PPE whenever you venture outside the house and limiting in-person social interaction have become the norm for millions of Americans. Needless to say, these changes represent significant departures from many people's pre-COVID routines. If the lifestyle changes brought about by the novel coronavirus have had an adverse impact on your mental health, the previously discussed measures are liable to prove useful.