The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has completely altered what we know as reality. From running daily errands to maintaining relationships and health, people around the globe are navigating and adapting to this new normal. But the transition hasn’t been so easy for everyone. If you’re in need of a little uplifting, we’ve got you covered.
In this post, we’ll be sharing some tips for dealing with stress from COVID-19 in a healthy way.
Stay active
Not only is working out a great way to pass the time, but it’s also essential to your physical and mental health. When you work out, your body flushes out toxins, keeping your immune system healthy and strong. What’s more, your brain releases mood-enhancing chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine which leave you feeling energized and clear-headed for hours, sometimes days, after your workout.
While you might not be able to partake in your usual fitness regimen at the gym, there are plenty of ways you can be active while still respecting public health guidelines.
Here are a few creative, fun, and effective ideas to get you started:
- Start a virtual group fitness class with your family and friends on video chat.
- Learn a choreographed dance on YouTube or TikTok or make up your own.
- Practice stretching, strength-building, and mindfulness with an online yoga course.
- Invest in resistance bands or small weights to build muscle at home.
- Explore your own neighborhood by foot—shoot for 10,000 steps a day!
Create work-life balance
Even if working from home is your ideal setup, it can be a tough transition to implement, especially under these troubling circumstances. But finding the right balance between your work and personal life is essential to managing your stress and maintaining a positive mood.
Here are some WFH hacks to help you bolster the lines between work and personal time:
- If you have the resources to do so, create an at-home office setup that’s exclusively for work use. This will help you stay focused from 9-5, but also allow you to create a physical distance between on the clock and off the clock time.
- Take breaks as you need! It’s all too easy to get cooped up between your home’s four walls, but it’s important to give your mind a break and some Vitamin D.
- Make a daily to-do list to hone in on your goals, establish a productive workflow, and give yourself free time. Try not to look at work emails or messages when it’s past work hours.
Try CBD
CBD is all the rage in the holistic health world. With benefits such as pain relief, reduced stress, and boosted mood, this natural (non-psychoactive) derivative of the cannabis plant is a must-have during lockdown.
When searching for any cannabis product, it’s important to check for quality indicators, such as:
- Lab accreditation: Look for the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) logo
- CO2-extracted CBD oil: more environmentally friendly than other extraction options, safer, more effective.
- No harmful ingredients: Things like glycerin, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin can be harmful to your health.
- Good reviews: Your peers will most likely guide you in the right direction, just make sure to read through several to get a comprehensive perspective.
Connect with friends
While there may be a six-foot barrier between you and all of your besties, that shouldn’t stop you from staying connected. There are plenty of fun ways you can cherish your close friendships while complying with public health initiatives:
- Become pen pals
- Talk on the phone
- FaceTime
- Send care packages
- Play games online
Get outside
Spending time outside is one of the most effective mood-boosters out there. In fact, several studies have shown that people who enjoy nature are typically happier and less stressed than those who don’t spend as much time outdoors.
If you can do so safely, and in accordance with local health orders, make it a point to take the time to enjoy the nature in your area. Take a hike, go for an open swim, or head out on a bike ride for an active and uplifting day—just don’t forget the sunscreen!
How are you handling lockdown? Share with us your challenges, helpful hacks, and words of encouragement in the comment section below.
