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The world is going through a very stressful time right now. We have the enormous threat of the coronavirus to contend with, and on top of that, we have the secondary issues of the looming recession brought on by the pandemic. Thirdly, we are dealing with the effects that living in lockdown or under strict social distancing measures are having on us.
It is essential during these anxious times that we stay mindful of our own personal stress levels and that we check in on ourselves and our loved ones. Many of us are too busy worrying about not catching coronavirus and thinking about how we will cope with the economic uncertainty that we forget to stop and consider the impact that all of this is having on our mental health. Here are a few easy tips for reducing your family’s stress during the coronavirus pandemic.
Start The Day With A Plan
One of the problems with being in a lockdown situation is that often every day feels the same–kind of like we are all stuck in the movie Groundhog Day. It is easy to lose perspective of what day of the week it is, just as you might find that your sleep patterns have gone out the window. Having a plan and keeping a schedule will help your family stay busy and motivated. Make sure that your plan for the day has a few different aspects. Include something that is productive, such as housework, or a chore that needs to get done. It’s important to schedule in some exercise as well. Then, reward yourself with something that you will enjoy like watching your favorite television shows or playing games as a family. You may want to consider getting a planner for your children to help keep them on a structured daily schedule.
Help Others Out
Keeping yourself occupied by helping others can boost your own personal mental health. Take the time to call people who you know might be struggling with loneliness and isolation due to the current measures in place. Support elderly friends and relatives by finding out are senior citizens eligible for the stimulus package, and then help them apply for it. Go to the grocery store for your neighbors, which can be life-changing support for those who can’t get out on their own.
Exercise
Exercise produces hormones that will help lower your stress levels. If you are able to go out, get some outdoor exercise such as running or walking in your neighborhood. You’ll get fresh air in your lungs and your blood pumping. If you can’t go outside, then include an indoor fitness routine. Check out the best workout or yoga videos on YouTube to help you.
Talk To Friends And Family
Talking to loved ones will help to reduce your stress and make you feel more relaxed. Take the time to make calls every day to different members of your family and friends. If you can, talk to people on video chat. Consider hosting virtual dinners and game nights to stay connected.
Get Plenty Of Rest
Rest and relaxation are essential for managing your stress level. In fact, poor sleep habits have been shown to significantly worsen the symptoms of many mental health issues including anxiety. Try and get a good eight hours of sleep each night and do your best to maintain a regular sleep pattern. Send your kids (and yourself) to bed at a reasonable time each night so that you can keep a regular routine and stay healthy.
How are you coping with quarantine life?
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