How has the pandemic impacted our mental health, and what can we do to recover? 

On this same day, two years ago, it still seemed life could go back to normal. Yes, there was a pandemic, but, much like the war, we all thought it would be over by Christmas. 

Several lockdowns and countless bouts of self-isolation later, here we are. Not quite where we used to be, but definitely not as scared and worried as last year. 

As the effects of the pandemic truly begin to unravel, the one question I keep asking myself is will our mental health ever be what it once was, or will our collective subconscious remain scarred forever? 

How the Pandemic Has Impacted Mental Health 

There is hardly a group of people whose mental health has not suffered in the pandemic. Essential workers, parents, the LGBT community, single people, couples, the elderly: everyone has experienced some symptoms of worsening mental health. 

Fear and anxiety had become quite common. I vividly remember myself sitting on my patio certain I was never going to see my parents again. I wasn’t even sure I would be alive in a year’s time. 

Loneliness and isolation also set in very quickly, after that initial novelty of spending practically all of our time at home had worn off. How many Zoom quizzes have you done? And how many banana breads have you made? 

Living in a bubble has also led to an increase in domestic abuse, and most couples went through a fair amount of bickering and arguing, even about the things that never used to bother them before. 

The effect grief has had on our emotional and mental well-being cannot be neglected either. Those who have lost someone, let alone those who have lost several family members or friends, will most likely be recovering from their personal pandemic experience for years. 

The amalgamation of all of these factors has left us burned out, exhausted, slightly desperate and still not ready to quite go back to normal. But what is normal anyway?

The Need for a New Normal 

Taking into account all the extreme negatives I have just listed in our walk down pandemic memory lane, it is safe to say that we can never go back. Our lives will never be what they once were, and we should stop expecting life to resume as if no interruption had occurred. 

All of our mindsets and memories will retain the experiences we’ve shared. Mask and hand sanitizers, remote work and online family celebrations, toilet paper shortages, the unexpected kindness of strangers, anger and fear: we are not likely to forget any of it. 

Instead of trying to forget, we need to move on. Accept everything that has happened as a part of our experience and history, and find a new normal. 

Yes, we will go dancing again. We will travel and meet new people who won’t be wearing masks. And perhaps we will not take any of life’s small comforts and joys for granted again, knowing just how easily they can all be taken away. 

How to Take Care of Your Mental Health 

The one thing I hope we have all learned from the pandemic is just how important taking care of our mental health on a daily basis really is. Moving forward, here is what you can do to keep yourself well. 

Establish a Mindfulness Routine

Mindfulness is the ability to be present and aware. It helps keep you grounded, and living in the now, as opposed to the past or future. 

What you do to become and stay mindful is entirely up to you. Some people like to journal, others meditate or do yoga, and I like to read sci-fi books. Whatever is relaxing and de-stressing for you, make sure you do more of it. 

Set Yourself New Goals

A new normal will also require new goals. Take some time and think about where you are in your life now, and where you want to get. Chances are that the pandemic has messed some of your plans up, so don’t worry about the derailment, just figure out what you need to do to get back on track. 

You may also discover that your priorities have now shifted and that you no longer care as much about things that once had prime importance. 

Understand How You Feel and Why

Feeling sad, anxious, worried or upset is perfectly normal. Don’t make yourself feel worse when you are having a bad day. There are so many new and forgotten experiences to navigate, so if you need more time, or if you just want to spend some time on your own, give yourself what you need. 

Understanding your own emotions is very important because it will help you feel better in the long term. So whenever you feel anything negative, take some time to determine what is causing that feeling. Then slowly work your way to eliminating that particular trigger as much as possible. 

Seek Out Companionship

If you have spent a significant part of the pandemic alone, you may either be looking for constant companionship or have gotten used to the solo life and are now having a hard time being around others. 

While it’s important to set your own pace for returning to the company of others, don’t allow yourself to get too lonely and alone. Humans are social creatures, and we need to share our lives. You can look into getting a calm dog, or adopting a mellow cat who will keep you company, and ensure you don’t get too used to being on your own. 

Set Your Own Pace

The one thing the pandemic has taught us is that we can live our lives at a much slower pace. We don’t need to be rushing around at breakneck speed: we can actually take the time to enjoy ourselves, and still get everything done.

Whether you are working from home or have returned to the office, make an effort to blend the best of both worlds, and find a new pace you are comfy with. 

Move More, Drink More Water, Eat Better

How well we feel mentally, greatly depends on what we put into our body. If we are fueling it with highly processed food, we will be both mentally and physically sluggish. 

Make a conscious effort to drink more water and eat fresh, nutrient-rich foods every day. Also start moving more, even if it’s just going for a daily walk. We all spend too much time looking at screens of various sizes, and we need to get serious about counteracting the harmful effects of this pastime. 

Prioritize Sleep

Our mental health also suffers when we don’t get enough sleep. We are moody, we are cranky, and not at all pleasant company. 

Instead of trying to pack more into your day and sacrificing sleep, start sleeping more, and notice how much you are able to get done in less time. 

Be Kind

Finally, the best thing you can do for your mental health is to be kind: to yourself and to others. Don’t be as judgmental, don’t be as harsh, accept that all human beings are flawed and that we all make mistakes, have bad days, make poor decisions and say things we don’t mean. 

Speak to yourself in a positive tone and be gentle with yourself. The more negative self-talk, the worse your mental health will get, and the less productive and successful you will be in turn. 

A Positive Farewell 

As we hopefully say goodbye to the pandemic, take some time to take stock of your mental health, and start implementing the positive practices that will help you accept and enjoy this new stage in all of our lives.