COVID-19 PANDEMIC: MOOD-BOOSTING TIPS FOR THE FAMILY

August 25, 2020

Health

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A key part of good mental health is feeling connected to the people and the world around us. With social distancing measures, families are still spending less time with others. If canceled family reunions, travel, or festivals, spirits up because you are not alone. 

9 SIMPLE WAYS ON HOW TO HELP BOOST YOUR MOOD

1. Lighten up

Try to spend 30-60 minutes outdoors and get some bright lights. Sunshine especially in the morning can help brighten the mood. You may do this with your children and other members of the family. 

2. Get plenty of sleep 

For your children to be able to get enough sleep each night, help them to stick to their bedtime routines. Some ways to help promote relaxation and a good night’s sleep:

• A song, story, or relaxing music
• A bath or shower before bed
• A dark and cool room
• A hand, back, or foot rub 
• Using the bed just for sleep and not for watching TV, doing homework, or using your phone

3. Talk it out

Try to talk with your children and teens regularly. Be a good listener as well. By discussing disappointments and worries, parents can also benefit from it. If your conversation cannot be in person, you can connect by phone or video calls.

4. Help you family eat wisely 

For breakfast and lunch, you can include protein-rich fruits. Protein helps keep your blood sugar stable and gives your brain the energy it needs. 

5. Go for gratitude

Regularly expressing gratitude helps boost overall happiness according to research. Expressing gratefulness leads to a lower rate of depression or stress. Help your children write down at least 3 events, people, places, or things that make them feel thankful. Keep also your journal. 

6. Lend a hand 

It makes us feel better if we help other people. It may be as simple as calling a neighbor or family who is home alone and putting a sign of ‘thank you’ at the mailbox to thank the one who delivers the mail. Help your children to come up with at least one kindness a day. 

7. Manage screen time 

You can make a family media plan to manage and limit your family’s exposure to TV and some ads that suggest buying things to make them happy. Having a media plan limits messages about happiness that are false or unrealistic. It will also help your family to be not so exposed to some upsetting news. Consider playing cards, reading, board games, cooking, singing or playing music, or taking a family walk. 

8. Step it up 

Exercise releases some chemicals in the body that can help boost mood. Help your children to exercise or play hard to break a sweat every day. Choose activities that maintain social distance especially when outside. 

9. Address stress 

To help everyone decrease stress and improve mood, you can try meditating or other relaxation techniques such as yoga. Time in nature can also be helpful. There are helpful mobile apps that offer reminders to take deep breaths and other tips to relax.