If you’ve been monitoring your investments, you’ve seen the impact of COVID-19 on the market. While there are a lot of unknowns right now, it’s important to remain committed to your end financial goals. The economy has its ups and downs and the best approach is typically to stay the course and plan to weather the storm. 

That said, it’s very easy to let things get the better of you. If you’re feeling anxious, scared, or depressed, it’s important to take a moment to take care of your basic needs. Now more than ever, it’s important to take care of your mental health. 

In addition to following guidance from the experts on how to stay safe and healthy in the time of COVID-19, here are some things you can do to take care of yourself. 

● Get enough sleep. If this is difficult for you, there are some things you can try to lessen the anxiety before you fall asleep. The big one is to stop looking at your phone and other technology before bed. The news cycle can wait until the morning. 

● Stay active. It’s no secret that exercise helps manage stress. Get moving to stimulate natural endorphins to make yourself feel better. If you don’t have gym equipment at home, try going on a walk or a hike or check out some home workouts.

● Drink water. While it’s tempting to indulge in wine or kick back with a few beers, staying hydrated helps your body function properly. There’s nothing wrong with having a drink now and then but stick to water when you can to avoid headaches and tiredness. 

● Stick to a healthy diet. Eating the right amount of healthy foods helps you feel better long term. While you may be tempted to bake a cake or eat a pint of ice cream a few times a week, this isn’t going to make you feel any better in the long run.

● Start a new routine. If you’re working from home, get up at the normal time or a little later, shower, put on makeup, have breakfast, drink your coffee. Don’t just roll out of bed and go right to your computer. Try to give yourself the downtime you need to get yourself ready to start your day. 

● Set up a workspace. Working from home can be tough. It’s helpful to make yourself a designated space for work where you’re separate from the rest of the house. Try to maintain normal work hours.

● Use the same approach for homeschooling. Try to keep your kids on a schedule and stick to a regular routine. Setting up a separate area for doing school work is also a good idea.

It’s also important to stay connected to things outside of yourself and your home so you keep an eye on the biggest picture. Try to get outside when you can to feel the sunshine and breathe the fresh air. This can do wonders for your mood and can even help avoid anxiety and depression. 

Take advantage of modern technology to talk to your friends and family. They miss you just as much as you miss them! 

Don’t forget to take time out to be thankful for the good things. Meditate to try to clear your mind and pay attention to what’s around you. Listen to your favorite music, tell jokes, watch funny movies with your family. 
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To take care of your finances and all of the other things you have to manage in this strange time, you have to take care of yourself first. It’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.

Any opinions are those of the author and not necessarily those of Raymond James. Expressions of opinion are as of this date and are subject to change without notice. Past performance does not guarantee future results.