Apart from the general boredom one goes through after spending days in self isolation, there’s always that creeping feeling of anxiousness at the corner of our minds, just waiting to pounce at the tiniest shred of unfavorable news to capitalize on it and fill our thoughts with negativity. On top of all that, some of us might even have to deal with pre-existing mental trauma, and being in quarantine, are unable to find any means of suppressing or relieving it.

Not to compare ourselves with our precious front-liners risking their lives out in the open, but whoever said we have it easy obviously has it all wrong. Nobody has it easy. Everybody’s in some form of suffering albeit to varying degrees.

So while we’re stuck in this situation, let’s make the most out of it. Once we’ve checked out on our kitchen supplies and hygiene essentials, it’s time to check in on our mental health. Here are some useful ways to stay on top of your mental health throughout the duration of quarantine:

Create your safe space.

If you’re quarantined with other people, it’s best to find a spot in your home where you’re at ease and you can be yourself. When you constantly bump into your cohabitants, it’s inevitable that you’ll create tension between yourselves no matter how close you guys are. That’s how cabin fever works - everybody’s grumpy and suddenly you’re all angry at each other. Set boundaries that everybody can agree with while also planning “get togethers” like baking sessions and movie nights with each other.

Don’t be consumed by media coverage.

As if a global pandemic wasn’t enough, widespread misinformation on social media is causing netizens to lose themselves in anger and despair over news articles and posts that aren’t even credible. Media outlets are having a field day misquoting politicians for increased ratings and a lot of online trolls won’t think twice about spreading a little chaos here and there. It’s best to protect yourself from all this for your own peace of mind. Make sure to check your sources and get information from credible sites. Limit yourself when you do this, too. As little as 30 minutes a day to an hour poring through useful news will keep you updated with whatever’s going on out there.

Maintain your routines.

Being in quarantine can throw you off balance by a great deal. If you’re forced to work from home, you might be tempted to sleep in a bit longer, to not dress up for work or maybe even slack off for a bit. All these could lead you to adapt a lazy attitude and a negative line of thinking. Maintain your sleep schedules, don’t go to work in your pajamas and for goodness’ sake, take a shower! Keeping a healthy routine will work wonders for your mental health.

Establish an open line of communication.

Netflix and videogames may fend off the boredom and feed your inner introvert, but keeping in touch with your friends and loved ones is especially important when you’re in isolation. Reach out and encourage each other in these trying times. We all need to watch each other’s backs.

Have a change of perspective.

This is easier said than done but once you’ve set your mind to it, you’re a step closer to having a better quarantine experience. Take this as an opportunity to focus on things you haven’t done in a while - an old hobby that you’ve shelved or an online course that you put on hold. Reorganize your space so you feel more aligned with it, do something you’ve always wanted to do in your home. Focusing on these types of goals one day at a time will help you stay on top of things.