Written by Menswear Style in Health & Fitness on the 8th April 2021

Life gives us plenty to get stressed about on a normal day. Unfortunately, things haven't exactly been normal for a while now. We've finally hit the point where we can say we've been in this pandemic for over a year, and that doesn't exactly fill us with joy. Thankfully, things do appear to be improving, and the prospect of being out of the woods does seem to be gradually approaching. However, the uncertainty of whether things will go entirely to plan makes it difficult to start celebrating just yet. That fear of potential disaster, mixed with the fatigue of being a year into the pandemic, has done a number on a lot of people's mental wellbeing. It's important to remember, though, that if you're struggling, you're far from alone. Many people are in the same boat as you and have found their own ways to cope with everything that's going on. So, if your head's not in a great place right now, these tips may prove useful.

Block Out Negative Influences 

People might be largely physically disconnected from their loved ones right now, but that doesn't mean they don't still have contact with the people they care about. Thanks to social media, it's easy to feel close to the ones who matter, even if you haven't seen them in a year. Unfortunately, sites like Facebook and Twitter can be a double-edged sword. If you're not careful, these platforms could end up doing you more harm than good, which is why it's wise to think carefully about how you use them. Whether it's people boasting about how productive they've been or simply bringing the vibe down with their constant negativity, there's a lot on social media that can ruin your mindset. If it's just one person that's affecting your mental wellbeing, it might be worth muting them for the time being. If the issue is more widespread, though, a social media hiatus might be in order. The break could actually do you a world of good. Just make sure you let the people you care about know if you plan to do this. That way, you can see if there are other ways for you and them to stay in touch.

Make Use of Outside Spaces 

Being cooped up inside all the time isn't good for most people. You deprive yourself of sunlight and its natural benefits, as well as the opportunity to stretch your legs and enjoy some fresh air. If you've spent a lot of the last year stuck indoors, then it might be worth switching things up and going for a walk every day. It doesn't have to be a long one but getting out regularly could do you a world of good. This has always been allowed, despite lockdown, and even more so now that restrictions are lifting. Of course, this might unsettle you, especially if you've spent the last year inside because you're scared of catching COVID-19. Thankfully, there are ways to work around your fears. For instance, if you wake up early, you can avoid being around lots of people as most will still be in bed. Likewise, going out later may also suit you well, especially now that the evenings are getting brighter. 

Enjoy the Little Things 

It's easy to feel like there's nothing enjoyable to do when so much of our lives are restricted the second we leave the house. However, while public spaces might still be relatively limited, that doesn't mean all the fun has been sucked out of life. You might be surprised at how much enjoyment you can get from the little things. Something like listening to a favourite album or watching a great movie can improve your mood quite immensely. If you're a vaper, then engaging in this hobby can also do wonders for your headspace. Of course, if you've turned to these activities a lot over the last year, then you may not get the same pleasure from them that you once did. The great thing about vaping, though, is that you can always keep the experience fresh by trying out new flavours. At Aquavape, there are dozens of e-liquid options that vary in flavour as well as strength. From blueberry to coffee grind to pink lemonade, it's hard to get bored when there's always something new to try out. Experiencing a new flavour every couple of weeks might not seem like a big deal to most, but for vapers, it could help you rediscover some of the joy in life.

Try to Establish a Routine 

Routines are great for keeping your day on track. Some people like to follow schedules down to the last minute, while others take a far more relaxed approach to them. However, most people follow them in one way or another, thanks to the presence of things like work and school. At least, that's how it used to be. Due to the pandemic, many people's routines have been thrown off course because they haven't had anywhere to go or anything to do. While this might not seem like a big deal, a lack of routine can lead to irregular eating and sleeping patterns, which aren't ideal for your health. What's more, it can also make a day feel like it has no purpose because there's no structure to anything. If you're currently in this position, establishing a new routine is essential. It doesn't matter if you're not currently working or studying, you should still try to give each day as much order as possible. Although it won't automatically turn your frown upside down, it will help to keep some of those negative thoughts at bay. That might be all you need right now to get you from one day to the next until lockdown is over. 

Keep News Intake to a Minimum 

Given how quickly and often things change regarding the pandemic, it's necessary to stay informed about the latest goings-on. However, it's not healthy to focus too much on what's being discussed, especially if your mental wellbeing is already suffering. You need to find a way to balance the fine line between staying in the know without driving yourself into a panic. Looking at only reputable sources can help with this, as they're the ones likely to give everything to you straight and won't engage in scaremongering. That includes checking out the UK government's website, which details how and when things are changing. Taking a few minutes to check out these sites once a day should ensure you stay up to date without tempting you to engage in doom scrolling. If you plan on taking a break from social media, that can also help. A lot of people use sites like Facebook to share articles and information they come across, but this stuff isn't always as accurate as it seems. It tends to be overdramatic and presents a gloomy view of everything to attract readers. So, keeping away from social media could be for the best. 

If your head's not in a good place right now, it's okay. This pandemic has hit many people incredibly hard, and not being able to cope with it doesn't make you weak. Just remember that this nightmare will end eventually, and while you wait for that to happen, these tips should help you look after yourself.

We recommend blocking out negative influences, making use of the outside, and establishing a routine in this blog post on How to Care For Your Mental Health During the Pandemic.