Strategies to Manage Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19
Many of us are feeling uncertainty about what they future will look like given the current interruption of our lives due to COVID-19 and this is causing extreme stress and anxiety.
While we may feel the impact of social isolation, there are ways we can manage.
Below are 5 top strategies to help you better manage stress and anxiety during this unprecedented time.
STRESS RESILIENCY
Now’s the time to hone your craft! Sign up for an online course or read a book on a topic you’re interested in like landscaping, gardening, sewing, organizing, cooking. This will keep you mentally engaged and take the extra time you may have right now to catch up on learning.
MEDITATE
If you are feeling anxious and are looking for a self-care strategy to help you stay present and feel more grounded and focused, give mediation a go. Along with our other FREE NRG 4 Life Facebook Live classes, we offer short 15-20 min guided meditation 101 classes at 4pm on the second and fourth Thursday of each month. Check out the video collection for this along with all our classes. You may also want to try an app like “Calm” which offers free meditation sessions too. Whether it is a guided meditation, connecting with your breath or joining a online community; meditating is a great way to cultivate some calm and resilience through these challenging and changing times.
ESTABLISH A REGULAR WORKOUT ROUTINE/TAKE PART IN A CHALLENGE
Your regular routine is interrupted, but it’s important to accept that some aspects of this could be the “new normal” and therefore, to create a new routine around it. Make a weekly schedule for yourself (and your loved ones), including on weekends. This can include setting an alarm for waking up, as well as having meals and going to sleep at the same time every day. Make sure to fill your day with pleasant activities that make bring you joy, keep you active and help elevate your mood and avoid the overconsumption of COVID-19 related news. Be sure to consume positivity as this will help counterbalance the negativity. Involve everyone in your household in the creation of the routine, as this will give them a better sense of security and feeling of optimism. Remember to maintain your sleep routines. To get the best sleep, turn off all technology an hour before bed.
Hot off the Press! If your belt is feeling a little snug and you’re looking to get back on a healthier routine of eating and exercise, this is for you AND it’s FREE! Contact sarah@nrg4lifefitness.net for the link for our NRG Healthy Weight Loss Challenge Facebook group and tools!
VIRTUAL WORK OUTS
As well all know, working out has many benefits for your physical and mental health. With so much of the world in lockdown, anxiety is a natural response. Regular exercise will go a long way towards helping. Again, check out our NRG 4 Life Facebook page for our FREE online classes and video collection. We offer something for everyone from interval workouts to yoga, pilates/barre to Zumba! Check out our home page for the 21 per week class schedule www.nrg4lifefitness.net
You can also hire a virtual Personal Trainer. Contact sarah@nrg4lifefitness.net for more details.
ASK FOR AND OFFER SUPPORT AND (VIRTUAL) CONNECTION
Given that most of what is happening is out of our control, we may feel helpless or overwhelmed. Staying at home can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Phone a friend or loved one or initiate a video call using technology like What’s App or Messenger. You can also plan virtual group calls with a group of friends or family members.
If you’re feeling stressed, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone for help. If someone opens up to you, remember that you don’t necessarily have to provide them with a solution or advice. Oftentimes, people just want someone to listen to them. We may be experiencing unprecedented times, but it doesn’t mean we have to face them alone.