Weekly Bri: Don’t Let Social Distancing Ruin Your Mental Health

Briana Alberghini ‘21

Associate Social Media Director  

Being stuck inside all day isn’t ideal to anyone. But, it is our new reality for a while. In the midst of all of this craziness, it is important to make sure to take care of yourself and keep your mental health in check. Although we have to be physically distant from one another, we should strive to be socially connected. We may be more alone, but we’re alone together.  

Ways to make sure you take care of yourself and mental health: 

1. Video chat with your friends and family. Just because we can’t be physically present with our friends and family, it doesn’t mean we can’t see their faces (thanks, technology!) With that being said, there are plenty of platforms you can video call on. Apple products have Facetime, Skype, and Zoom! 
2. Keep things light. Keep sending your friends funny memes and Tik Toks. It might be the first time they have laughed today! Just because the world is scary right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a laugh or two. Remember, laughter is the best medicine! 
3. Exercise. Being outside is safe (as long as you are six feet apart from others), so go exercise outside! There are plenty of FREE workouts on Youtube, so there are no excuses. Some of my favorite workouts on Youtube come from POPSUGAR Fitness, Yoga with Adriene, and Whitney Simmons. Also, exercising is extremely good for reducing stress and can improve your mental health. 
4. Do something that makes you happy. Don’t underestimate the effects of playing with your dog, cleaning/re-doing your room, meditating, cooking your favorite meal, or reading a good book. 
5. Set a schedule. This may seem silly, but setting a set schedule of waking up, eating, exercising, working, and doing other fun things will give you a routine. Chances are that before all of this you had a daily routine you followed and lived by. Why not now?
6. Put your phone down. Seriously, almost every time you log into social media there is some sort of negativity. In order to keep yourself in a zen mindspace, put your phone down and go do something creative. Some good ideas are painting, drawing, and DIY tie dye sweatshirts/ shirts. 
7. Self care. There is no better time than now to try out all of those sheet masks you have in your bathroom drawer. Trust me, I know you have some. PSA: look good, feel good! 

Make an upbeat, feel good playlist. It only takes 12 minutes for your mood to totally shift, so what are you waiting for? Turn the music up!