The Coronavirus pandemic has forced people into greater isolation than normal. While these measures are necessary to promote public health, they can also eat away at your mental health. With fewer chances to meet with others and no clear distinction between work and off-hours, many are experiencing heightened levels of stress. Fortunately, you aren’t completely helpless, as you can be intentionally constructive with your free time. Try these activities to ease your mind during COVID-19.

Reading

It’s easy to watch videos, shows, and movies on your computer, phone, or television, and these are undeniably good sources of entertainment, but another activity that can perform a similar role is reading. With a book, you can dive into fictional worlds and follow compelling stories while improving your vocabulary and concentration. You’ll also find that you aren’t bombarded with advertisements and side distractions when reading, as opposed to watching something on the internet. If you’re a more practical person, there are plenty of self-help and biographical works you can read to improve your life as well.

Reorganizing

When you’re constantly going in and out of your home, you may tend to neglect its appearance. In these recent circumstances, however, you can use the extra time you spend in your apartment or house to reorganize. You could start by throwing away trash that you’ve unintentionally collected over time and tidying up counters, tables, and cabinets. Reorganizing can also extend to moving around your furniture and switching out old decorations. This might not seem like the most fun activity, but it can be useful for taking your attention off your stress and gaining a sense of satisfaction once you’re finished.

Hiking

Going outside and exercising are both well-known remedies for mental strain, which is why health experts recommend taking walks. You can go a step further by traveling outside your immediate neighborhood and hiking as an activity to ease your mind during COVID-19. There, the picturesque landscape and abundance of plants and wildlife can give you a rest from your daily responsibilities. At the same time, you’ll be on your feet for the duration of the trail you choose, which will give you a substantial workout. If you’re new to hiking, you do need to prepare ahead of time so you can avoid big hiking mistakes that could hurt your experience. You must also remember to practice social distancing when others are nearby.