In stressful times, it is important to stay in some form of routine to help you get through the day. Try writing out your daily routine and even create a weekly one to help build on that structure.

Do you have a wind-down routine to help you get ready for sleep? Are there ways you can make your bedroom more inviting to you? For instance, trying to go to sleep in a messy room can prevent us from having the ultimate sleep experience.

Try not to keep your worries and fears bottled up. Talk about them to people you trust, or reach out to your local mental health helpline. The Mental Health Commission of Canada created a great list of crisis lines and other mental health supports that you can view here.

These times can feel lonely, but that doesn't mean you're alone. Try making a list of safe people you can reach out to. It can also help to schedule in social time to keep you from becoming too isolated e.g. schedule a video chat with a friend or loved one and stick to it.

Anticipate that others around us might be struggling and stressed out with the current situation. Try your best to be patient and supportive — and remember to show yourself love, too! You can get through these tough times together (even when physically apart).

The news can feel like 24/7 information overload about COVID-19. Even having it on in the background can be stressful for our brains. Give yourself a few days away from it if you want! If you're still craving news, try sources like Tank's Good News for uplifting content.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by everything going on, try to stop what you're doing and focus on your breathing. Download an app like aware for free guided breathing exercises. Taking this time away from worrying and negative feelings will help you slow down and re-centre.

Boredom can happen when you are at home more than you're used to. Make a list of activities you can engage in and even give them time limits so that it will help you commit to the activity. For example, an hour of colouring, a 15 minute mindfulness activity, a 20 minute walk, etc.

Try to set aside time to do nothing! Yes, we all have lots of things to get done, but we can also carve out time to do nothing and allow ourselves to be okay with that. If it helps, rather than seeing it as "nothing", think of it as time to recharge.

Make a list of old shows or movies you once enjoyed. See which ones you can find to rewatch and see if you still like them. Reflect on what it was you liked about each one and see if there are different reasons now. It can be fun to revisit the past through TV and film.

Make a group chat with friends to send funny memes or uplifting quotes throughout the day. There are lots of fun group chat ideas — you can compile lists of each other's recommendations for movies, books, tv shows, workouts, etc.

If you're wondering what the future will hold and it's feeling overwhelming, take a moment to do a mindfulness exercise. Sometimes the best thing we can do for our minds and bodies is bring ourselves back to the present moment. Here are some basic exercises to try!

If you're looking for some new ways to fill your time that feel stimulating for your brain, there are lots of free online learning opportunities like webinars, tutorials, and courses! Check out websites like Coursera or edX.

It can be hard to see the good when times are so tough. Trying to identify even small things we're grateful for each day can have a surprising impact on our mood and outlook. Did you see the sun today? Find a funny meme? Hear a new song you really liked? Write it down!

Cooking your food from scratch is a satisfying activity. Find new recipes in the recipe books you have lying around or on pinterest! Ask around what others are doing for meals and make extra for leftovers.

Take a look through more of our Wellness section for all kinds of tips on a variety of different topics! Everything from tips for being on psychiatric medication, to self care while helping a friend, to healthy social media habits!