For many people, the coronavirus pandemic has had a negative impact on their mental health. Despite an increase in vaccinations and the relaxation of COVID restrictions, the stress of the pandemic lingers. Western New England University’s Aubree Carr shares some of her coping methods from the past year.
I roll up the carpet. Push the coffee table aside. Turn on YouTube, and find two or three dance cardio workouts to follow for about 30 minutes. My favorite is African Dance. I do this because I know it makes me feel better. Many people do not have this luxury during the pandemic we are facing but it is the small things getting us through these strange days. For me, it is being active.
“Cause if you are active, and you’re moving, and your body is happy, it is really hard to be negative,” said Darren James, a financial advisor in Springfield, Massachusetts who works for Northwestern Mutual. James starts his day exercising via Zoom with his trainer. This routine he started before COVID hit, but he continues it every day – even on the weekends, when he records his workouts for Facebook at 8 o’clock in the morning on Sundays.
James’ exercise and motivation videos aim to help others stay active during the pandemic.
“You’ve got to take time for yourself before you give your time to the world,” said James.
James is not alone in that thinking. Jenn Sheaff is a licensed mental health counselor from Mt. Tom Mental Health out of Holyoke, Massachusetts who works with children and young adults.
“It’s starting to be warmer out,” Sheaff said. “[Go] outside if you can. [Get] some sunshine and some fresh air. Exercise is really important to add into your day, even if it's 10 minutes. Deep breathing and meditation is important too, if you can manage it. It really helps with anxiety. And making sure that you're sleeping and drinking your water.”
A step may mean physical, mental, spiritual or emotional.
“A journey of 1,000 miles begins with a single step,” said James.
Sheaff says, for some, that first step might mean seeing a therapist.
“More people are starting therapy, which I think is positive for everyone,” Sheaff said. “As a therapist, that is something I really like to see. Therapists can help anybody. Therapy can help anybody.”
Positivity helps me, so I tune into Kukawa Fitness on Youtube, and they’re very positive. They make working out easy and fun. Their videos are short, which gives me time to do other things in the morning.
I know many do not have the luxury of exercising in their living rooms. So do what works for you. Whether that is a cup of tea or sitting on the front steps for five minutes before the kids wake up. Do what makes you feel happy and healthy and strong.
Aubree Carr is a junior Creative Writing major at Western New England University. This piece is part of WAMC’s partnership with the university’s Radio Production class. The views expressed by WAMC commentators do not necessarily reflect the views of WAMC or its management.