Tips for Managing Stress During the COVID-19 Outbreak
As the spread of COVID-19 disrupts much of our daily routines, it also disrupts the mental health and wellbeing of many people. Anxiety about the disease, uncertainty about the future, and many other challenges may face you in the weeks ahead. If you feel stressed or afraid about the current situation, remember that you’re not alone. It’s perfectly normal to have these emotions, and there are several ways you can learn to cope with them. Here are three tips for managing stress during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness exercises help us calm down, reset our thoughts and emotions, and learn how to exist more confidently and presently in the moment. There are a variety of activities—such as deep breathing, meditation, journaling, or yoga—that help you practice mindfulness. Many of these exercises work as a great counterbalance to stress. If you start to feel overwhelmed or panicked, step back and take a moment to stretch and focus on your breathing. In addition to calming yourself in the moment, these exercises can also turn into healthy habits that continuously improve your overall mental health.
Spend Time With Your Family
One of the best tips for managing stress during the COVID-19 outbreak and any other time of your life is to find support and comfort in your loved ones. Spend some quality time with the other members of your household. Help distract each other by cooking homemade meals or having game or movie nights. Make sure you take care of each other. Listen to your partner’s worries about current events. Hang out with the kids and help them stay comfortable and productive during their school closures. Taking care of others is a great way to manage your own stress and feel better about yourself. Plus, when you spend time with your family, you also allow them to take care of you in turn.
Find a Creative Hobby
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to be extraordinarily productive during this time. You don’t have to end your social distancing with a new skill. However, hobbies are a great way to spend any extra time you might have because of coronavirus. Drawing, painting, or crafting are great ways to flex your creative muscles and distract yourself from the stressors you face. You can also use your newfound hobbies to connect with other members of your household or even online groups. This will help you maintain a healthy social life throughout this period of social distancing.
