HOW TO DEAL WITH STRESS DURING THE QUARANTINE
The coronavirus has caused many of us to go through major changes while being quarantined. Introverts no longer have to make excuses for canceling plans but extroverts are struggling and prefer to be in a social environment. People who have an attachment to the outside can struggle with adapting to this isolation. Sitting in the house all day can cause you to overthink. I know for me it can trigger my anxiety. People are losing their jobs. People who live in a toxic household that find joy in leaving the house every day for work are now forced to stay in these environments. Parents and children are adapting to school closing and trying to find ways to stay motivated. Essential workers are putting their life on the line to help keep things flowing. Families who are affected by the coronavirus are freaking out and losing hope. During a time like this, we may not have much control over this life crisis but we can find ways to alleviate some of the stress.
Here a few ways you can help reduce your stress while being quarantined.
Take a break from watching the news
The news can be so depressing. Coronavirus flooding every station. Multiple calls and text messages per day and hella social media post reminding us of this life crisis. We continue to hear how the numbers are increasing and how people are dying but there's no legit solution but “stay home.” I get it this is crazy af and new for all of us but sometimes we need to find balance and take a break. I stopped turning on the news because whenever I try to catch up on everything that's going on I find myself stressed out and anxious about every little thing I do.
Indulge in self-care activities
at home facial - If you don't have the proper equipment you can always finesse it lol. I’ve been using a huge pot adding water and putting it on the stove to boil. After I deep cleanse my face I place it over the steam to help open my pores.
Take a hot bath with mediation music or a good podcast - Relax your muscles and body sometimes you need a break from your thoughts. If you're not into baths you can always take a hot shower. Dr. Teal's lavender body wash with pure Epsom Salt is a good choice to include in your shower/bath. I love how the Epsom Salt detoxifies your body by reducing stress and pain.
At home workout - When you sit in the house all day it can be hard af to stay away from the snacks. I found myself eating because I was bored. So if you trying to watch your figure you better hop on those at-home workouts even if its only 15 mins. Joie Chavis has a full body, abs, and booty workout on her youtube channel.
Watch something funny - tune into your fav comedians especially on Instagram. Some of my favs are @yesimprettyvee, @yungbbq and @cleotrapaback
Facetime your friends
Set up those calls with your friends. Y'all can schedule a movie night, make dinner together, play games, make drinks, or do ratchet things virtually. I love twerking for my friends like I’m somebody personal dancer lol.
Cook a meal with the tasty app
I've learned how to cook several meals because of the tasty app. Cooking has become very therapeutic for me and now I have the confidence to try new recipes. I’m not really into cooking books because I’m a visual learner. I love how the tasty app provides you with video content that breaks down the recipe from the beginning to the end.
Take a walk and connect with nature
Put that mask on and get out a get some fresh air because we all need it. Walks are so peaceful and nature always finds a way to ease your mood. If you live in an area that has a park or hiking trail don’t be afraid to get out there and release that stress. If you're into journaling maybe you can take your journal and write out your thoughts. Try to stay away from the negative talk but helping to transition your mind to be more positive. For example, write down “3 things you have control over to make your day great.”
Feel the pain but don't let it overpower your mind. Stress will kill you if you allow it. So I wanted to encourage everyone to take more time out to focus on how you can replace the negative stress with good stress.