One phrase that has proven to be helpful for me in stressful times has been the phrase: “keep moving forward.”

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I discovered this phrase when I was 12-years-old while watching a Walt Disney movie called Meet the Robinsons. It was such a pivotal moment in my adolescent life, on the cusp of young adulthood. Keep moving forward? From what? It seemed to be wise and thoughtful, but at just 12-years-old, I had no idea how meaningful these three words would become.

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Now years later, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, these three words seem to shine brighter than ever before. The stay-home guidelines for COVID-19 has not been an easy adjustment for many people. In fact, it has been quite the challenge for many individuals and their mental health. Isolation is not easy, for we are social animals and, if taken away, can cripple our mental health and lead to negative impacts such as depression and anxiety.

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So, how can we deal with the isolation and quarantine effects during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Keep moving forward.

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Moving forward isn’t pretty by any means. What a lot of people fail to tell you is that it’s really quite rough. Sure, we’ve all heard the saying, “It’s going to get dark before it gets light,” or my personal favorite, “It’s going to get ugly before it gets pretty.” But like most things, it’s often easier said than done. Still, this doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just means, yes it will be dirty, it will get ugly, you probably won’t like it, but it is necessary and it will be worth it.

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At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re wondering what is the “it” that I have been referring to. It basically refers to the overall process of maintaining our mental health and sanity as we protect ourselves via quarantine during such uncertain times of health safety. And really, it refers to mental health in general, not necessarily just during this trying time. The process by which you stop and take a moment to reflect, to slow down and take control of yourself within an uncontrollable environment, time or state of being. In that moment, you have the opportunity to be mindful, and react in a way that is safe and beneficial for you, rather than in an emotionally draining and detrimental manner. In essence, the process in which you strive to take a step forward, rather than three steps back.

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How can we keep moving forward? Here are some Tips & Tricks to help you get started!

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1. Drink water throughout the day; make it a habit. Water is a 7 on the Ph scale. It is perfectly balanced in not being too acidic or basic. A few benefits of drinking water include weight loss, flushing out toxins and waste and keep your skin looking healthy and refreshed. There are plenty more benefits towards drinking water that you can look up for yourself, but overall water is essential towards our survival.

2. Distance yourself from social media/media in general. With the current pandemic keeping us at home, it's understandable to seek social media for all the newest updates. But I’d say keep it at bay and find other ways to be productive during this time of solitude. Social media will always be there, however the information presented isn’t always accurate. At times, the information itself can further increase the anxiety the world already has, so it’s best to put that focus on other things that matter more instead.

3. Stay mindful. Mindfulness allows you to understand that you don’t always have to react in a negative way. You are not your thinking mind, you are the observer. Constantly staying mindful of this, being aware of your ego and your conscience will allow you to stay in control of who you truly are versus who the boundaries of your ego says you are.

4. Keep breathing. Acknowledging your breath, when it spikes in times of stress and anxiety, or when it is controlled when you are relaxed, will help you differentiate your triggers and develop healthy habits to manage your reactions. Breathe in, breathe out, relax your mind. Know that you are entirely in control of your breath, your body and your mind. Feel your emotions, acknowledge them, accept them and respect them. What you are feeling is valid; good or bad, allow it to flow in you and out of you as you breathe, in and out. 


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Article by Ashley Le Cesne & Alan Uribe