While some countries are beginning to ease their measures against Coronavirus and some aren’t yet, the pandemic is far from over and it may take a while before everything feels normal again. This situation can have a serious impact on our mental health. And, because our minds are just as important to keep fit as our bodies, here are some things to remember when you feel like you are on a downward spiral.

In some ways, you are less alone than ever

The virus has increased the physical distance between us and some of our loved ones but the world now stands united against a common enemy. While countries and individuals are affected to a different extent, there has never been another moment in our lifetime when we could relate to so many people across the globe who are sharing this experience.

It’s okay to feel like you’re not okay

Much as you want to be there for your family, to cheer them up and take care of their happiness, it may not always be possible. If you are finding it hard to keep your spirits up, that’s okay. Give yourself permission to be sad or worried, there is no shame or guilt in it. None of your emotions are wrong. Allow yourself to experience them, give yourself time and make your own mental health a priority.

It’s also okay to feel unproductive

Many people feel like they should be using this unprecedented situation to learn a new skill, catch up on work, get super-fit super-fast… Keeping yourself busy is great but if by the end of your time stuck at home you have not redecorated the house, you don’t have the body of a supermodel and you don’t speak three new languages, remind yourself that the only truly important thing was to get through this in one piece. That is enough!

It’s okay to be an imperfect family

Ah, all this extra time with our nearest and dearest – it should be wonderful, shouldn’t it? Instead, today is not a great day. The baby won’t stop crying, you are arguing with your partner, you are trying to come up with a family bonding activity but all you really want to do is crawl back into bed… Why can’t you appreciate this family time? What is wrong with you? Absolutely nothing! Bonding sometimes means simply going through difficulties together. You may find the little arguments and less-than-perfect days will only make you stronger in the end.

Your child will be okay

On top of worrying about someone in your family catching the disease perhaps you are also worried that everything that’s happening is traumatising your little one or taking opportunities away from them. Maybe they have been fussy, bored, crying and it makes you feel helpless as a parent. That’s understandable but it helps to remember that kids are incredibly resilient and adaptable. One day, when this is all over, you may find that they barely remember anything was ever wrong.

Hopefully, these little reminders will help you find peace among the chaos and reasons to smile.