In a variety of ways, COVID-19 has affected everyone’s day to day lives. Even those who aren’t sick are struggling. 

A large component to this could be that it is mentioned everywhere. On the news, we hear so many disappointing updates about COVID-19 that we nearly have to stop turning on the television. Sometimes, COVID can even be a good conversation starter, especially with strangers such as “Can you believe this is still happening? The world is crazy!”. 

Even though we all wish this pandemic was no longer in effect, there’s no way to avoid it. A pandemic is something that is merely new and unique to all of us, a point of our lives we won’t ever forget about. Some of us have found productive ways to cope with it, while others, including myself, are nearly strung out and exhausted from it. 

Regardless of not being able to control what happens in the future, taking time to control aspects of your life such as mental health are vital to maintaining a balanced life throughout the pandemic. 

According to a March 2021 Time magazine article on teen mental health during the pandemic depression in teens has increased by 49.6 percent and anxiety by 67.5 percent over the past year. 

Because of this, picking up healthy habits is more significant than ever. 

Talking to a family member, a close friend or even a therapist can help take a lot of weight off an individual’s shoulders from the stress of the pandemic. Simply expressing the feelings you have been facing throughout the pandemic can be a reminder that everybody is going through this new change. Even video chatting with family members from out of town can help, despite not being together in the moment. 

Making small changes to your everyday routine can also help significantly. Going to sleep early and taking time out of your day to simply reflect can help boost your mood. 

Additionally, physical exercise is more essential than ever in times like these. Even just going outside alone can make you a lot happier as the winter has given everybody a deprivement of vitamin D. It is also proven that exercising daily can release endorphins, causing a positive change in mood. Running, walking and other outdoor activities can post your mood almost immediately as we have been indoors for the majority of winter. 

Because of the pandemic causing significant changes in mental health, it is more important than ever to adjust routine and add in healthy habits. Maintaining a good diet, getting enough sleep, exercising and taking care of yourself can all be vital things to maintain mental health.