You, like most of us, enjoy going out shopping, dining out, and enjoying a social life. But with the forced precautions of COVID-19, we are cooped up in the house. The stress level of being stuck in the house for the next few weeks, for some of us, is ever increasing. This blog is dedicated to sharing a few ways to reduce stress while you are self-quarantined in your homes.
Every one of us deals with and reacts to stress in different ways. Therefore, the ways in which we respond to stressful events may vary. During this crisis, it is important for us to find ways to cope with the stress from fear, worry, and the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. Here are 4 suggestions to help cope with being cooped up:
1. FIND A QUIET PLACE
Create a spa day where you can relax and listen to soothing and calming sounds in a quiet space. In the world of technology, it is not hard to find our favorite soothing sounds on YouTube or other free music sites. The sound of a gentle wave, the cracking of the fire, or the sounds from the rainforest are all sounds that can allow you to temporarily escape to a different world. While the kiddos are busy, find a moment to relax. Relaxation is a good way to reduce the stress from feeling closed in. Allowing your mind to refocus your attention away from the negative and toward the positive will help you to reduce your stress.
2. HAVE A MOVIE NIGHT OR SEE A CONCERT
Who doesn’t enjoy a good movie night? Make them more frequent with a little more pizazz. Whether it is solo or with others, treat yourself to popcorn, snacks, and your favorite movie. Many streaming service platforms allow viewers to view thousands of movies from the comfort of their homes. Maybe even make a game of it with family members posing as ticket agents and concession workers.
If you are a music lover, countless musicians have shared their concerts through social media outlets. Move the couches and the coffee table and set the stage for a rocking concert. Print out tickets and have a rocking good time.
3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
This could be your opportunity to find out what Yoga is all about. Meditation and physical movement can help reduce your stress levels. Control your anxiety and stress levels with breathing exercises. Avoid pigging out on unhealthy snacks that you will regret later. Instead, opt for healthy food and beverage choices. Focus on taking care of your body and make sure that you get plenty of rest in order to rejuvenate daily.
4. CONNECT WITH OTHERS
Even though the world around you may seem like it has shut down, do not let that stop you from connecting with others. Talking to others during stressful times can help. Sharing memories and having general conversations with others can help reduce your stress levels and change your mindset.
Remember, this too shall pass. You have to take control of the situation and how you are willing to cope with this outbreak. It is a temporary setback for a great comeback. Invest in yourself and manage your stress as best you can, and share your strategies with others. We will get through this together.
We are here to assist you
We are aware that everyone has been affected by the recent response to COVID-19 but we hope that you find some comfort in knowing that we are still operational and here to assist you.
Whether you are a current client or if you are looking for family law or estate planning assistance, our team is here for you and will continue to be available to address your concerns.
To the extent possible, we will offer remote consultations and provide services from a distance.
You may message us here, email our office at info@sterkfamilylaw.com, or call 815-600-8950 and one of our team members will be able to assist you.