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Since the start of the quarantine, I have had several patients approach me with stress-related symptoms due to the uncertainty of the circumstances they find themselves in. Staying at home with limited social connections can be difficult.
Here is a list of things to try:
- Take a Deep Breath deep breathing is one of the easiest, most convenient and natural ways to combat issues like stress and anxiety. Go ahead, inhale and exhale deeply.
- Change your Thinking Instead of focusing on the things you can’t do or control, switch your thinking to the things you can do and control.
- Stay in Your Bubble If you find yourself taking on someone else’s emotions, stop. Just because they are upset, doesn’t mean you need to be.
- Connect With Others Look for one-on-one interactions. The phone, Facetime, Google hangouts all provide ways to keep in touch. Play a board game or find ways to serve others.
- Be Creative Dust off the musical instrument you haven’t played in a while. Take an online course, tackle a project, bake, learn a new skill or craft.
- Keep a Routine Get up and go to bed at the same time. Shower and get dressed. Create a workspace and go there to work. Have set times to eat. Make a to-do list.
- Move Your Body Go for a walk or bike ride outside. Get up and stretch every hour. Practice yoga, dance or workout.
- Take a Mind Vacation. Allow time for your brain to relax. Visualize sitting on the beach. Use a guided imagery app. Read, work on a puzzle, or complete a crossword.
- Prayer & Meditation Find a quiet moment daily to commune with your Higher Power. Meditate. Focus on things that are uplifting and bring you peace.
- Have an Attitude of Gratitude Find things to be thankful for daily. Tell other’s what you have to be grateful for.
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