How to Cope with Stress While You’re Stuck at Home

Learning how to handle stress effectively should be in everyone’s quarantine survival strategy. We’ve all been forced into new routines, which means employees are working from home, families are navigating school closures, and everyone is trying to decipher new routines.  This doesn’t even address the stresses of the virus itself. Understandably, our minds can quickly go from okay to panicky in a matter of minutes. It’s safe to say a majority of us are experiencing varying levels of stress these days.  What are some ideas that can help?

Embrace Your Social Network
We might be living in isolation at home, but it is easier than ever to stay close with friends and family.  Zoom is not just for work.  You can coordinate a weekly social schedule with family and friends via video chat platforms. A 15-minute virtual coffee or lunch date can help you feel connected and supported, even during the workday.

Carve Out Quiet Time
Living with your family 24/7 might lead to extra quality time, but it can also be challenging to recharge and manage your own emotions during the day. Creating a personal space – or “me zone” – in which you can spend time alone helps to decompress and recharge. Even an armchair in a small apartment – or the car for busy moms and dads now working from home and sharing childcare duties – can provide a nice option to get away for a break.  As for what to do once you get into the zone, here are a few suggestions:

  • Listen to music.
  • Drink a cup of tea in peace.
  • Journal what you’re grateful for.
  • Read for pleasure.

No matter how you choose to fill the time, the importance thing is to press the proverbial emotional reset button. This can be done by giving yourself the space and permission to do something that makes you feel good.

Mental Health Check
For people who were already managing depression or anxiety before the COVID-19 pandemic, it’ is essential to continue getting the support you need.  Unfortunately, many of the things we used to do to lift our spirits, like going to the gym, meeting a friend for dinner, or other leisure activities, aren’t possible now. Consequently, some of us may be processing anxiety in new ways.  Those already dealing with depression and anxiety have probably used the bedroom or home as a place of retreating when symptoms start to increase. Being stuck at home now may feel a little similar to depression, even if the person isn’t actually feeling depressed.
It’s important to be gentle with your thoughts during every hour of COVID-19. Productivity expectations prior to the pandemic should be softened so you can offer yourself more compassion during this time.

Sweat It Out
Home gyms and online fitness classes are booming thanks to the new world order. Many people have created new routines like walking around the neighborhood before starting work, during lunch, or in the evening.  This helps symbolize a boundary between home and work and can help prevent feeling like you have no ability to get away. You can also connect with free workouts on Instagram and YouTube, and many gyms are offering services from trainers.

More healthy coping strategies for stress
Here are some more ideas to help your time at home feel as supportive as possible.

  • Schedule a get-together with friends or family
  • Commit to moving your body at least once a day
  • Get dressed in workout gear in the a.m. to motivate yourself
  • Make a “Quarantine Playlist” composed of songs that elevate your mood
  • Meet neighbors in the street (while maintaining social distancing)
  • Set a phone timer to check in with yourself throughout the day (or to spend time in the “me zone”)
  • Download a mindfulness app like Insight or Calm
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