Millions of us around the globe are being instructed to stay inside our homes, limit trips outside, and minimize our social interaction. Everyday life is feeling pretty surreal right now. Individuals are worried about their physical health, mental health, and everything in between. Social distancing is an unnatural process for humans, but for right now, it is essential.

Here are ten ways to maintain your mental health during the lockdown period:

1. Keep a routine: While it is difficult to keep a routine, it is beneficial to your mental health and productivity. 
2. Go outside: Be one with nature, get some fresh air, and clear your mind.  But be sure to practice social distancing.
3. Clean your home: De-clutter, organize shelves, closets, dressers etc. A clean home provides a sense of control in uncertain times. 
4. Meditate: Practice breathing exercises, yoga, and mindfulness. 
5. Maintain your social connections: Humans are built for social interaction. During crises, humans naturally come together. While texting and social media are okay, picking up the phone and calling someone via video chat or on a normal phone call can be much more beneficial to easing your mind. Examples of video chats include: FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts Video, and Facebook Video.
6. Help Others: Giving to others can also help protect your mental and physical health. It can reduce stress, combat depression, keep you mentally stimulated, and provide a sense of purpose.
7.  Limit News Consumption: Establish a reasonable rate of news consumption from reliable sources such as the Center of Disease Control and World Health Organization. 
8. Eat Healthy: A healthy diet is as important to mental health as it is to physical health.
9. Ask for Help: If you are feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a friend or family member to filter the news for you. This will allow you to limit the amount of time you are consuming the news. Remember, it is okay to not be okay and if it is out of your control, seek professional help. 
   National Suicide Hotline: (800)-273-8255.
10. Let yourself off the hook: Things are going to out of place for a while and if you have to adjust your workout, screen time, or outdoor activity time, remind yourself it is only temporary. 

Source: Center of Disease Control