Beating Covid-19 Stress

With businesses in Houston, large and small, closed because of Covid-19. Jobs have transitioned to remote work and most of us have been stuck at home a little longer than what we are used to. Worse yet, there’s no telling when this pandemic could end. This can elevate one's feelings of stress and anxiety. As you sat on the couch, binge-watching movies or your favorite TV shows (by the way, Carol Baskins did it), all of this might have sounded like a dream at first. But soon lounging around got old very quickly. At this moment, you might be pacing your living room, itching for something to do. Covid-19 has not been very helpful to our mindfulness and well being. To relieve some Covid-19 stress and help you feel productive while stuck inside, it’s best to engage your mind and body each day. Here’s a helpful list of ideas on how to keep your mind and body active – all from the comfort of your own home.

Tips for beating Covid-19 Stress

• Journal daily: Journaling is a great way to express your thoughts and experiences in a healthy way. Grab a spare notebook and dedicate a little time to journaling in it every day. Write down your thoughts and fears or a few things you’re grateful for to help you center yourself.
• Start a blog: Do you have a special skill or hobby you’re passionate about? Start a blog and share your unique ideas with the world! From cooking to crocheting to lifestyle inspiration, anything is fair game. Or, start a “quarantine blog” where you can share your experiences during social distancing and help others understand they’re not alone.
• Do at-home workouts: You don’t need a full gym to complete a challenging workout! Using only body-weight exercises, small free weights you can store in a closet, or household items, you can get your blood pumping and stay active inside. Make a goal to complete at least one 20-minute workout a few days per week. You can even get the entire family involved!
• Clean and declutter: Staying inside is one thing, but staying inside a messy house is another. Use your spare time to spruce up your space from top to bottom. Now is the perfect opportunity to clear out that hallway closet you’ve been avoiding or to reorganize your pantry. Break down areas of your home and try to tackle a little bit each day.
• Practice mindfulness: The world is a scary place right now, and tensions are high. Instead of scrolling through social media, take a break and focus on mindfulness. Short meditation sessions where you focus on your breathing or an encouraging mantra can help you relieve stress and calm down from feeling overwhelmed.
• Make an inspirational collage: Mood boards or inspirational collages are both creative and encouraging. Gather supplies you have around your house and create a collage of things you want to do after the pandemic is over.  Don't forget to include some of your longer-term goals. Clip pictures from old magazines, dust off your paintbrush and paint sets. Pull out that giant pack of colored pencils from your desk drawer, and get creative!
• Check books off your reading list: It can be difficult to find time for quiet reading during the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Your reading list might seem endless! Don’t let books collect dust on your shelves! Now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in a fantasy world or fictional story as an escape. I recommend audio books, since you listen to them while driving or simply relaxing at home. Audible is a great place to start.
• Do a yoga challenge: Yoga is a great activity for the mind and body since it blends mindfulness with body-weight exercises and stretches. Look up a yoga series on YouTube or download a yoga instruction app to get started right in your living room.
• Take an online course: Lots of educational institutions and hobbyists are offering online classes for free right now, so take advantage of them! If you’ve always wanted to explore a particular subject or you’re looking to bolster your resume, now is the time. I recommend TED talks or educational and inspirational Podcasts such as The School of Greatness.
• Connect virtually: You don’t have to suffer in boredom alone! Your friends and family are just a video chat away. Host FaceTime or Zoom calls with family and friends, or propose virtual lunch meetings or coffee dates with coworkers. If you can’t video chat, find an online community to take part in. Virtual book clubs or hobby groups to have discussions with are a great start.
• Create the perfect playlist: Music can be energizing, therapeutic, and cathartic. And nobody knows your music taste better than you! Put together some playlists that will lift your spirits or get you ready for a workout, then host a dance party in your living room with your family! You can also check out playlists made by other users. Check out the Covid-19 playlists on Spotify.
• Tackle a project you’ve put off: Have you been meaning to re-paint your guest room for months? Have your leaky faucets officially driven you nuts? Take stock of all the home improvement projects you’ve been putting off and try to complete as many as you can with what you have on hand, or order parts online. Beautify your wall with family photographs to add a touch of warmth to your home.

Don’t squander the extra time you’ve been given! By keeping your mind and body active and engaged. You can help shed the stress of being stuck at home while also improving your skills, your space, and yourself. Don't let Covid-19 get between you and the time you have left on this earth.