2020 has been one of the most tumultuous years we’ve seen in a long time, and you’re probably feeling the strain. It’s understandable. Times are tense, and there’s no denying that this year will go down in the books as one of the most challenging times in recent history.
And while you may be struggling with everything that’s happened so far, it’s important to remember that challenges don’t have to bring you down — they can be overcome and can even lead to positive changes.
One of the most important tools in your self-care kit is your mental health, so taking the time to unpack your feelings and be gentle with yourself is paramount. Fear, anxiety, anger, depression and stress are all completely understandable right now. We’re battling a global pandemic, America is facing extreme unrest and we’re all worried about protecting ourselves and our loved ones. There is sadness around the things we’re missing out on, anger and outrage over social injustices, and a total upheaval of our daily routines.
Whether you’re feeling the strain or not, it’s a traumatic time for everyone. The first thing you must remember is that feelings of anger and grief are totally normal. The second thing to know is how to deal with them in a healthy way. Let’s take a look at some simple habits you can incorporate into your everyday routine that will help you balance your emotions, fight stress and support your mental health.
Don't Be Too Emotionally Distant
We need each other, now more than ever. Social distancing has cut us off for a long time, but socializing and spending time with family and friends is key to good mental health, especially when the news reports grow more difficult by the day. After such a long period of isolation, it’s more crucial than ever to take time for human interaction, whether it’s replacing a text with an actual phone call with a long-distance buddy or having a (small) gathering with friends or family. With guidelines beginning to relax, think about your feelings during our time apart and you’ll find true satisfaction and gratitude in time spent together.
Keep Moving
Exercise is a major stress-killer and adding some movement into your day won’t just have you feeling physically better, it will benefit your mind as well.
There is ample evidence that exercise helps your brain “rearrange” stressful thoughts and can help you move towards a healthier way of thinking. In addition, exercising during the day can help you sleep better at night, and a good night’s sleep is absolutely essential to fighting stress and anxiety. With warm weather here, exercising outdoors will give you a double dose of good health as you add the benefits of sunshine.
Get Outside
Getting out of the house for a while can do wonders for your mental health. No one can deny the boost you feel while you’re walking in the sun, and not only will you feel better, your body will thank you for the vitamin D. Weather permitting, you should aim to go outside a few times throughout the day. Getting up and out will help you break up feelings of monotony and freshen your perspective with a change of scenery.
Vacation travel might not be on the agenda just yet, but don’t discount the benefits of fresh air, even if it comes from your own backyard. Lack of sunlight has been shown to be linked to conditions such as seasonal affective disorder, and lately it’s been easy to let the whole day pass without getting outside at all. A walk, a short drive or a half-hour of outdoor relaxation will help your mood from going too dark.
Connect With Your Tribe
Adult performers are facing unique challenges right now, but the good news is, help is available. Some platforms offer peer support — the FanCentro Tribe, for instance, has a great Telegram group that allows influencers to chat, vent and share solutions for common problems they’re facing right now. There are also organizations like Pineapple Support (PineappleSupport.org) that are specifically aimed toward mental health and the adult community.
Know When to Ask for Help
While these are all good guidelines for general mental health, there may be situations that call for real intervention. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, too anxious to function or severely depressed, contact your doctor right away for outreach options. Most mental health facilities are doing sessions remotely, and if you’re feeling unstable, it’s important to get evaluated as soon as possible.
Not Feeling Your Best? That's Okay!
Finally, do not beat yourself up for not feeling your best. This is an intensely stressful time for many reasons, so be gentle. Take your time, rest when you need to and focus on doing what you need to do for yourself. Take comfort in your friends and loved ones and remember that it’s 100% natural to be struggling right now. You are not alone.
Brooke Powell is the Community Manager at FanCentro, a premium social media network for influencers, models and adult stars.
