Within a matter of months, our normal has changed rapidly.
As social distancing and self-imposed quarantine continue, many people are more alone than they’ve been in a long time, or ever.
While some of us are hunkering down into self-made cozy workplaces, others are starting to fray: ZOOM communications are now a necessity; dreams of coffee shops run rampant; the walls are closing in. As isolation continues, remember to be kind towards our extroverts; they’re having a hard time.
We are all social creatures—yes introverts, ALL of us—and as such need some social stimulation. The thing is isolation doesn’t just numb our brains with boredom: without social input we may feel lethargic, depressed, or anxious. And in the situation we’re in, when we’re uncertain how long we’ll be asked to maintain social distancing, our anxiety only increases.
By employing effective ways to de-stress, everything in life flows a little more smoothly—especially as your family and friends crowd your personal spaces.
To take care of your mental health and overall well-being, consider following these simple tips.
Breathe. Our breathing becomes quick and shallow when we are stressed, tense or frustrated. Quickly reset and increase tranquility by taking deep, slow breaths.
Walk. Stress has a nasty side effect of making us feel lost in our own minds. Problems become exaggerated and we might have a hard time making decisions. Walking literally takes us away from our problems. If you can walk around your back yard, around the block, or drive to a local park and hit the trails to refocus, refresh, and renew your perspective.
Laugh. Laughter boosts your immune system, relaxes your muscles, and stimulates circulation— all proven physiological ways to stop stress in its tracks. Head to Google or YouTube and check out trending funny videos, read your favorite comic strip, or FaceTime a hilarious friend for instant relief.
Clean. The very act of straightening, cleaning, and organizing can be soothing, which in turn can flood your brain with happy hormones. Look around your home workspace and clean up the first pile you see.
Be compassionate with yourself and others. There is much that we can’t control right now—and how we talk to ourselves can have a significant impact on how we manage our situations. Watch your words; ignore the negative, embrace the positive.
By taking the time to incorporate small moments of stress-free living into your day, you can gain the clarity you need to effectively take care of yourself and those you love.
