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Part 2: How To Stay Sane During A Global Pandemic: Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Facts

Be sure to check the previous article for more advice. Many teenagers and young adults are struggling to adjust to living in quarantine and trust me, it isn’t easy. Here are some helpful tips that might keep you from losing your mind.

Shya Belgarde, Author|April 1, 2021

Part 2: How To Stay Sane During A Global Pandemic: Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Facts

Welcome back!

Breathing exercises– According to Newport Academy, 32% Of all American teenagers have an anxiety disorder of some sort. Getting your breathing under control can help you relax when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious. They can even help you sleep better at night. – 4…7…8: Breathe in through your nose for 4 counts and hold your breath for 7. Now, exhale for 8 more counts. Repeat until you feel a peaceful numbness flow over your body.

Physical and emotional awareness checks– Sometimes you’re so focused on your own stress and anxiety that you lose awareness of not only your physical surroundings, but your mental state and your emotions as well. – Emotional Awareness: Ask yourself: Can I communicate my feelings? Can I Set Boundaries? Can I understand others and be more helpful? Understanding your personal needs is crucial to developing awareness.

Easy sleep tips – More than likely, you’re awake and thinking about stuff when you should be asleep. The National Sleep Foundation states that over 87% of high school students get significantly less sleep than the recommended eight to ten hours. Sleep is a very important variable for a teenager’s mental and physical health, as well as the growth and development of the brain. – Stretch or practice yoga before bed. This can help you release everything you’re holding on to – mentally and physically – before you drift off to sleep. – Limit your screen time before you go to sleep. I know it’s fun to lay in bed and scroll through Instagram but the blue light, emitted from your phone, actually keeps you awake. This is because blue light blocks melatonin, which is a hormone that makes you feel sleepy.

Coping Methods– Are you struggling to deal with your emotions? Well, you’re not alone. Many Psychologists have stated that more teenagers today deal with depression or anxiety than ever before. –Talk to someone about your emotions. As hard as it may be to open up, talking to people about your feelings and emotions can feel like a weight is being lifted off your chest. For the people who don’t always have someone to talk to, there are multiple 24 hour hotlines with a trained professional waiting on the other line to help.

*National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255*
*Crisis Text Line: 741741 (text BRAVE)*

Organization tricks and hacks– Staying organized is a great way to keep yourself motivated. Your surroundings can do a great deal on your mental state, as well as increase productivity. – Write things down. Make a To-Do list, keep an agenda book, or write in your calendar. Even if you think you have a great memory, it’s nice to have your important things written down somewhere, just in case.

These are just some of the ways you can stay sane during a global pandemic. Please remember, YOU ARE NOT ALONE! As much as you might be struggling, there is always a way to make life, just a little easier 🙂

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