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Feeling Isolated? 5 Tips to Care for Your Mental Health

Nancy MacGregor MA, ATR-BC, LPC, ACS, Clinical Director

Young African American woman is on the balcony at sunset

Feeling isolated? 5 tips to care for your mental health

Over the last year, more and more people have become isolated. Where isolation may have started due to the pandemic, it’s possible that it’s still taking place, whether you want it to or not. Physical isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness that can turn into depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems. But not to worry – there are things you can do to actively protect your mental health and help you through tough times.

  1. Stay busy

It’s time to tackle that project you’ve been putting off. Whether it’s something like household chores or something new you want to try, keeping your mind and body busy can be very helpful. Try a new workout class or cook a new or classic favorite recipe. Chores, hobbies (old and new) and anything you want to do is possible and can help you feel much better.

  1. Practice mindfulness and meditation

Instead of focusing on the past or obsessing over the future, try living in the present moment. Mindfulness comes in many different forms but here’s one that’s easy to try. Go outside and observe everything around you. The animals that cross your path, the way the leaves on the trees look and move, what shapes the clouds are. Being aware of your surroundings and taking note of them is just one simple way to be mindful. Another option is to practice meditation. You can do this on your own or with the assistance of meditation apps, but either way it will leave you feeling refreshed.

  1. Move your body

It’s universally known that staying active is great for maintaining physical health. The same applies to your mental health. Exercising releases endorphins that help reduce stress and increase happiness, meaning that staying active through different types of exercise can work wonders for your mental health. Workout classes, cycling, dancing, running, walking, playing sports, stretching, and yoga are just some ways you can stay active and fight depression.

  1. Eat balanced meals

It’s easy to order takeout every night from the restaurant down the street or go through the drive-thru window of your favorite fast food spot. But convenience isn’t always the healthiest choice. Make sure that you’re eating balanced meals that will provide you with the nutrients your body and mind need to stay healthy.

  1. Get off social media

Social media was designed to connect people but it can also increase feelings of isolation and depression. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing online and compare it to your own life – it’s only natural. But rather than scrolling and getting major FOMO (fear of missing out), take some time for yourself and go on a social media detox. It can be for a day, a week, or however long you want. No matter how long you stay off social media, you are bound to feel a difference.

Fighting Loneliness with Harmony Bay Wellness

If you are feeling symptoms of loneliness and depression, turn to Harmony Bay Wellness for help. Our team of experienced mental health professionals can help you find different ways of handling the feelings that you are experiencing. If you are feeling isolated, contact us today at 855.857.6050 to learn more about the mental health services and therapies we offer.

Treatment with Harmony Bay

Harmony Bay is an outpatient behavioral health service that offers primary mental health treatment for a variety of mental health disorders. Our mission is to make mental health care convenient and affordable while providing an unmatched experience to our clients. contact us today by calling 855.765.6399.