Animals·Posted on 8 May 202017 Lessons My Dog Taught Me About Mental HealthSelf-care tips brought to you by a three-year-old shih tzu named Bertie.by Kate LeaverBuzzFeed ContributorLinkFacebookPinterestTwitterMail While we're all at home, waiting out a global pandemic, it's more important than ever to look after our mental health. Tap to play GIF Tap to play GIF 1. There are some days you just won't be able to get out of bed...and that's okay. View this photo on Instagram 2. Get outside for a dose of fresh air, even when your instinct is to hibernate. View this photo on Instagram 3. Meditating (or just lying back and dreaming of cheese) can make you feel calmer. View this photo on Instagram 4. Go easy on the substances, especially if they only make your anxiety worse. View this photo on Instagram 5. Moving your body can actually help, if you're feeling up to it. View this photo on Instagram 6. Surrounding yourself with friends is a very good idea. View this photo on Instagram 7. Watching something silly on the telly will remind you what it feels like to laugh. View this photo on Instagram 8. Allow yourself to be cared for by someone you love. View this photo on Instagram 9. Get in some cuddles for that oxytocin hit — even if you're hugging your pals via a laptop. View this photo on Instagram 10. Tell your friends you'd still like to be invited to parties (virtual or otherwise), even if you don't have it in you to always show up. View this photo on Instagram 11. Remember to have a shower every now and then. View this photo on Instagram 12. Sometimes putting on your favourite outfit can cheer you up. View this photo on Instagram 13. It's never shameful to ask for help when you need it. View this photo on Instagram 14. Comfort eating can be an effective coping mechanism. View this photo on Instagram 15. Don't be afraid to be vulnerable with people. View this photo on Instagram 16. Daytime napping can be wonderfully restorative. View this photo on Instagram 17. And finally, try to hold onto the fact that whatever you're feeling will pass and that you are capable of feeling happiness again. View this photo on Instagram