Practical Tips for Managing At-Home Stress During COVID-19

With the recent news that the stay at home order has been extended into May, it is safe to say that stress and anxiety levels are rising significantly. Those who may be at increased risk of anxiety during this time include children, teens, the elderly, and those helping with the response to the virus, including healthcare workers, first responders, and grocery store employees. In these times of uncertainty, it is important that we prioritize our mental wellbeing. Here are some of the many ways we can manage and cope with our own stresses and anxiety surrounding the pandemic. 

Getting fresh air can significantly help manage stress during COVID-19 by lowering stress, lifting your mood, and improving overall mental health. Beautiful spring weather offers the perfect excuse to take a break from work, social media, or Netflix binging and step outside. You can enjoy the great outdoors by going for a walk around your neighborhood, having a picnic in your yard, or soaking up some sun while reading on your porch. Of course, make sure to follow the social distancing guidelines while doing so.

Staying connected with friends and family helps manage stress during COVID-19 by reducing feelings of loneliness and providing comfort during times of high stress. With being quarantined, there's an increased feeling of loneliness, especially for those who live alone or children and teens accustomed to daily school interactions. It's important to distinguish physical from social isolation. You can reach out to family and friends through various means, such as scheduling a weekly video chat session with a group for games like charades, Pictionary, trivia, karaoke, or even a virtual talent show. Even a simple phone call can effectively reduce your stress.

Keeping busy with fun, new, and creative activities helps manage stress during COVID-19 by distracting and redirecting ourselves from the current situation, which can be a trigger for stress and anxiety. Activities that bring joy, such as painting, completing a jigsaw puzzle, trying out a new recipe, playing board games with your family, reading a new book, or doing yoga, can keep us occupied. It's good to switch up your routine to avoid boredom; for instance, having “themed dinners” where everyone dresses up can make dinnertime exciting for kids. Remember to take periodic breaks to recharge amidst keeping busy.

Practicing self-care is another effective way to help keep your stress and anxiety at bay. Positive investments into your physical health can also have a positive effect on your mental health. Meditating, eating healthy meals, exercising, and getting a sufficient amount of sleep are a few of the ways you can put this into action. 

Of course, everyone responds to stress differently, and when it comes to managing stress, what works for some may not work for others. If your stress level becomes overwhelming and hard to manage on your own, seeking help from a professional is another helpful option. Virtual support is available during these times. Call us to set up an appointment or to find out more information about our virtual mental health services.