Coping with Stress During Quarantine
- Category: Behavioral Health
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Warding Off Distressing Emotions During COVID-19
With spring on the horizon, we find ourselves rounding the one-year mark of facing the COVID-19 pandemic that has left us spending more time at home than ever. It is perfectly normal that this prolonged period of uncertainty and isolation has heightened levels of distressing emotions such as anxiety and depression. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to deal with these negative emotions.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
As we continue to follow guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it’s important to check in with your loved ones to socialize and support mental health and wellness. Though you may not be able to spend time with them in person, here are some ways to help you to stay connected:
- Schedule regular phone calls and video visits with your loved ones
- Share movies and TV shows with your loved ones that you can watch and discuss together
- Start group chats with your friends and family to help you stay connected with those in your social groups at the same time
- Attend online events and classes together
- Spend time doing outdoor activities together where you can be six feet apart, as recommended, such as walking, hiking or bike riding.
Catch Up on Your Rest
With fewer places to go and more idle time on your hands, what better time than now to catch up on getting better quality sleep each night? Not only is sleep a critical part of maintaining your physical health but also it helps to support your mental health.
Getting the recommended seven to nine hours of rest each night supports your mental health in the following ways:
- Improves learning, memory and critical-thinking skills
- Enhances mood
- Reduces risk of anxiety and depression.
Exercise Regularly
Many of us find it difficult to make time for exercise in our busy schedules. With extra time spent at home, it gives you the opportunity to take charge of your physical health in the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’ve got workout equipment at home or not, here are some ways that you can work toward your weekly fitness goals:
- Try yoga and dynamic stretching
- Join online fitness classes for guided workouts
- Jog around your neighborhood
- Go for nature walks around your neighborhood or your favorite park
- Deep clean your home.
- Try indoor or outdoor gardening.
Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco
When it comes to prolonged periods of distressing emotions, it isn’t all that uncommon for people to turn to negative behaviors for a sense of relief. Alcohol and tobacco are two of the most commonly abused substances used to ease feelings of stress, anxiety and depression. While they may provide a sense of temporary relief, these substances can bring on a host of physical and mental health issues in the long run.
