Stress Reduction for Quarantine

Stuck at home, changes at work, becoming your kids teacher, and the constant responsibility of keeping your family healthy and safe? Stress is at an all time high. All this anxiety leads to physical, mental, and emotional pain; now more than ever we need to take care of ourselves. Quarantine stress may be a new experience for many of us but it's nothing we can’t handle with the right techniques. 

Below are a few therapeutic techniques to help you process your emotions as well as keep you grounded and centered during quarantine. With all of these techniques choose quality over quantity i.e choose to do something consistently  vs. starting something doing it two times and picking up something else. 

Journaling:

Spending large amounts of time with our families can be a stressful experience especially if we are extremely independent and not familiar with this new dynamic. Our homes are no longer our homes but also our offices, schools, gyms, restaurants, and bars. This can lead to restlessness, cabin fever, frustration, and annoyance. Journaling is a great way to process these newfound emotions without taking out our frustrations on our partners, children, and loved ones. Writing out our feelings can act as a therapeutic release, allowing us to vent without lashing out at the people we are closest to (and also quarantined with). Next time your spouse interrupts your zoom call or you find yourself at your wits end over the amount of dishes in your sink; write it out, leave it all on the page. Your journal is a your eyes only place to navigate and process your emotions. 

Meditate:

In a time when simple errands like going to the grocery store are incredibly stressful, meditation is key in keeping our minds level headed during quarantine. Meditation might be easier said than done but seriously make it happen. Meditating for just 15 minutes significantly calms the nervous system, preventing us from or bringing us out of fight or flight state. Meditate before you get out of bed, or after you watch/read the news; just make it a habit. This is a practice that culminates over time. Grab your headphones, listen to some relaxing music, or even try a guided meditation. Having a meditation practice grounds your quarantine lifestyle with a meaningful routine and sense of purpose. 

Try Something New: 

Have you been wondering why so many people are learning how to bake bread? It’s because learning a new skill is a great (and productive) coping mechanism for passing the time in quarantine. If you’ve ever wanted to learn something or try out a hobby now is the time. Learn to knit, speak a new language, research a topic you're interested in, or finally read all the books stacking up on your shelf. Choose something fun or creative or frivolous; when else are you going to have the time to explore new hobbies and check these things off your bucket list? Go solo on a personal project or include your kids and spouse just use this time to your advantage and give yourself the permission to explore.

Move:

Don’t buy into the hype that you should leave quarantine with a six pack but do take advantage of all the mood boosting benefits of physical activity. Take a virtual yoga class, turn on music and dance, or finally use the fancy in home gym equipment you invested in. Moving our bodies releases serotonin, lowers blood pressure, and increases immunity. Working out is a win-win if you choose workouts you enjoy and stick to a schedule. It doesn't matter if you choose to jump rope or do tai chi (or both) make yourself a schedule and commit to it.

This list is just a jumping off point for igniting a healthy quarantine. The overarching message here is just to take care of yourself. Use this time for self-care and development; meditate, exercise, journal , and bake bread. The key to quarantine is finding the right mix of creativity and meaningful routines.