Shelter-In-Place Got You Down? Consider These 10 Helpful Tips

In these difficult and uncertain times, it’s safe to say the majority of us are experiencing a spike in anxiety and fear, which means it is even more important to focus on self-care and mental and physical wellbeing.

At Embark Behavioral Health, we have multiple programs that specialize in working with young adults (18-24) and we have seen the current coronavirus, or COVID-19, situation, as well as shelter-in-place policies, have a strong impact on their wellbeing. Social distancing does not need to mean isolation, loneliness or only sitting around watching Netflix. Now more than ever, we need to emphasize the importance of activity and connection, even if it looks different than it usually would. We are seeing a rise in the use of “old-school” phone calls, social media and video-conferencing apps, so we can stay connected and continue to see the faces of our loved ones and keep our usual routines.

The team at OPI Young Adult Treatment Center in Los Angeles has put together some ideas and resources to help keep young adults (and others too!) active and connected in novel ways even while staying home.

Consider video chatting with a friend to do these activities with each other, and don’t forget: we’re all in this together!

1. Learn a language.

2. Listen to a podcast.

3. Meditate.

4. Read a new book (online books are available).

5. Take a free online art class.

6. Take a virtual cooking class.

7. Travel the world from your computer or phone.

8. Visit a museum virtually.

9. Visit an aquarium or zoo virtually.

10. Workout or take a yoga class.

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Embark Behavioral Health

Embark Behavioral Health

Embark Behavioral Health is a leading network of outpatient centers and residential programs offering premier mental health treatment for preteens, teens, and young adults. Dedicated to its big mission of reversing the trends of teen and young adult anxiety, depression, and suicide by 2028, Embark offers a robust continuum of care with different levels of service and programming; has a deep legacy of over 25 years serving youths; works with families to adjust treatment in real time to improve results; treats the entire family using an evidence-supported approach; and offers the highest levels of quality care and safety standards. For more information about Embark or its treatment programs, including virtual services, intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), therapeutic day treatment programs, also known as partial hospitalization programs (PHPs), residential treatment, and outdoor therapy, visit embarkbh.com.