During this time of quarantine due to the Corona virus, we are in uncharted territory. Being out of our normal routines and forced to be indoors may spark a secondary crisis, mental health issues. Honestly, mental health is a game of chemicals; keeping your brain balanced with good ones to counter the bad ones. There are quite a few things that you can do to be proactive from falling into the pit! I find it is better to be proactive than reactive!
1. Stay on a consistent sleep/wake cycle: You may have a tendency to fall into the thinking of sleeping in late. Continue to set your alarm to wake up in the morning and go to sleep at the same time each evening. Continue to shower and dress as if you are going to work. If you are working from home, this will help you remain in a work mindset.
2. Exercise: Physical activity releases a combination of oxytocin and dopamine; the feel good chemicals. I think of these as pac man eating up stress hormones in our brain. See, anxiety releases cortisol which lead us to feel stuck in fight or flight. Stay stuck in fight or flight long enough and you fall into the pit of depression. Aim for 20-30 minutes a day. Walks outside give you the added benefit of a change of scenery and fresh air. If you can't get outside, you can still do jumping jacks, run in place, or toning exercises with canned goods or hand weights. 
3. Guided Meditation: This mental exercises is also referred to as mindfulness. This is a great tool in cognitive behavioral therapy to stop negative thoughts by bringing attention to your body and focusing on other positive thoughts to halt obsessive thinking. My personal favorite is Rhonda Jones as it is Christian guided meditation with scriptures peppered throughout. You may find her in iTunes or at: thechristianmeditator.com
4. Journal, pray and read: The brain has no digestive tract!
Your thoughts may continue to loop unless you commit them to paper. If you are experiencing anxiety, tell yourself this is temporary, you will get through this rather than entertaining thoughts of "what ifs". In our house we always say "what ifs" come from the devil! Rather choose to send your thoughts through the thought filter of Philippians 4: 8. "Finally brothers and sisters whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praise worthy --think about such things." Praying turns your thoughts over to God and reading helps you travel outside your current circumstances.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus! 1Thessalonians 5:16
5. Play cognitive games: Keep your brain awake and working by playing Scrabble, Catch Phrase, Taboo, crossword puzzles, and word searches.
6. Be Social: You may not be able to be face to face right now. My apologies for those whose Love Languages is physical touch! Fortunately, we are living in the technology age. Utilize FaceTime, Google Hangout, or Zoom meetings to interact with your colleagues and community groups! Reach out to those you know are living alone or elderly who cannot get out and ask how you can help them. Looking outside yourself is another great way to maintain good mental health!
Praying for continued physical and mental health!
Katie
