It’s no secret that many of us are struggling with our mental health right now. Between the COVID-19 pandemic, the changing of seasons, and stressors around the upcoming holiday season, it can be easy to fall into a pattern of negative thinking. While these feelings apply to people of all ages, it can be especially tough for boomers.

Whether navigating the challenges of work from home or trying your hardest to relish remote retirement, it’s critical that you care for your mental health during this time. Not sure where to start? Here are our best tips:

Reinvent Your Routine

Before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, most boomers were likely accustomed to a routine that has been years in the making. While most of our routines won’t look the same as they did a year ago, it’s important that we all reinvent a new schedule for ourselves. Establishing and sticking to daily habits can help us cope with change and form healthy behaviors. This can also help us manage additional stressors that might be placed on us during this time.

Regardless of whether you are working or not, waking up at the same time each morning can help kick-start a healthy routine. Portions of your day should also be dedicated to keeping both your brain and body active. For those working, try to sign on and off around the same time each day, when possible. Perhaps most importantly, remember to leave yourself time to disconnect and get a good night’s sleep.

Be a Goal-Getter

Goals can help with a common struggle we’ve seen elevate during the pandemic: staying motivated. According to CVS Health’s Path to Better Health Study, 98 percent of those ages 51-64 were motivated to create a health goal to improve overall quality of life. Ninety-seven percent of those 65+ reported the same. Yet, only 15 percent from each age group indicated not having any health goals at all. For some, getting started can be the hardest part.

To help, keep in mind that health goals don’t have to be daunting. Physical health directly affects your mental health, so goals like mindfulness, exercising and eating healthy can all positively affect your overall well-being. Start as small as you’d like and look for opportunities to help make achieving your goals fun. Try competing in a step challenge or swapping healthy recipes with loved ones. You could even do a virtual Zoom call to walk or cook with friends or family to enjoy each other’s company when you can’t be together. And don’t forget to track your progress!

Stay Connected

While staying connected is a challenge for all of us right now, it’s not impossible. Being creative and leveraging technology are two great ways to maintain connections during this time. Video chatting platforms like Zoom have opened up a number of avenues for connection even while we can’t be physically together. Whether it’s family game night or simply seeing a friendly face, these modes of communication have allowed us to feel a small sense of normalcy. Of course, never underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned phone call!

It’s also imperative that boomers stay connected to their doctors during this time, even if it’s remotely. Most health plans are offering telehealth options for both physical and mental health check-ins. Be sure to ask your employer’s human resources team or health insurance company what is available through your Employee Assistance Program or Medicare plan, respectively. For example, whether you’re working or retired, Aetna health plans offer Resources For Living® consultants who are available to talk with you and help you cope with the emotional impact of the pandemic. Resources For Living also offers a variety of wellbeing resources and support options to individuals who are not covered under Aetna insurance plans or do not have Resources For Living as an insurance plan benefit. Those individuals can call 1-833-327-AETNA (1-833-327-2386) for assistance.

Looking for more ways to maintain your health during the COVID-19 pandemic? Check out the Putting the ‘Me’ in Medicare eBook: A Guide to Total Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic.