10 Ways to Beat the Covid-19 Stress
Like many of you, I had so many things planned out for this year. But 2020 happened and it all just went downhill from there. With the Covid-19 taking over the world and all of us being forced to stay indoors, it has really wrecked havoc never before seen in human history. We are social beings and right now we’re being deprived of so many things we usually take for granted, like eating in a restaurant or attending a concert. This kind of social isolation can take a toll on your mental health and many of us may be experiencing stress, anxiety, worry, or loneliness. But you know what the good part is? Human beings have this amazing ability to cope with change. Slowly and with repeated exposure, we get used to things. We find a new normal. This is called ‘habituation.’ So remember that, even if it seems really hard right now, you can get through this.
Just to ease the process a little bit, here are 10 creative ways (and a bonus #11 at the end) to deal with the Covid-19 stress and make the best of this time while you can:
#1 Sign up for an online workout program
Gyms are closed. And going for a jog outside is pretty much out of the question! Working out at home by yourself requires real discipline and motivation. So why do it alone? There are plenty of online platforms out there which provide workout programs you could sign up for. Maybe challenge your friends to do it with you. Download apps like centr or niketraining or get a lot of free content on YouTube!
#2 Invent new recipes from whatever is available in your kitchen
A delicious home-made meal can make the lock-down seem so much better! So gather all that’s available in your kitchen, put on that apron and get creative! If you don’t know how to cook, this is your time to learn some new skills and whip up some specials for your loved ones. Your mom is definitely gonna love it, isn’t she?
#3 Discover new music and update your playlist
Music is a language with no barriers. Research suggests that music not only soothes the mind but also enhances cognitive performance and can have a positive effect on your mood, memory, cardiovascular function, and athletic performance. Music has the power to lift your mood and reduce pain, depression, and anxiety. So get on your music app and discover new music, explore new genres, rearrange your playlist, and why, create new ones!
#4 Take up a new hobby
Having a hobby can make you feel more productive and can help you make the best use of this time. So spend a little time everyday on a hobby or develop a new one. Here are a few ideas for you:
- Learn a new language
- Read (or listen to audiobooks)
- Practice or learn a musical instrument
- Learn to paint or sketch
- Start your blog
#5 Indulge in self care
What is self-care for you? Is it eating a wholesome meal? Is it your skin-care routine? Is it just relaxing on the couch doing nothing? Well, it can be anything which makes you forget your worries, makes you feel relaxed, and nourishes your mind and body. Amid all the hustle-bustle of daily life, we always feel that we don’t get time for ourselves and do things which we truly love. So here’s your chance to get into that self-care routine at least for some time in a day.
Here are some ideas:
- Just sit criss-cross, and breathe for 2–3 mins.
2. Have a nice long bath or shower.
3. Get dressed up or wear make-up.
4. Indulge into a skin-care routine.
5. Get a hot-oil massage.
6. Light up some scented candles and meditate.
7. Play an upbeat song and dance like no one’s watching.
8. Soak in the morning sun for a few mins.
9. Get in touch with your emotions and write down what you feel.
10. Unplug from social media for an hour.
#6 Do a little declutter
Living in these uncertain times can increase your fear of the unknown and you may feel like you have no control over the situation. Decluttering can increase your sense of self-confidence, can make you feel energetic, can help you get back your sense of control, and can even reduce family or relationship stress. Here’s how you can start:
- Set a goal- decide where to start, start small, do only one space at a time
- Categorize- Sort things into ‘Keep, Discard, Store’ categories
- Dispose off the clutter- recycle & reuse, donate clothes & books, have garage sale
#7 Read 5 books that you always wanted to read
There’s always so much to do, and so little time. Well, now you can’t complain! So dig out the old list from Goodreads and commit to reading at least for half an hour a day. Challenge your friends or partner to do this with you. Not a reader? There are apps like Audible on which you can listen to the audiobooks while you do your chores. There’s also a great app called Blinkist which provides a concise summary of a book including all the important points which will save so much time and effort.
#8 Start a lockdown journal
It may sound like a cliché but writing is a powerful tool not just to express our thoughts and feelings but to heal and to give way to our creativity. Research suggests that writing a journal regularly contributes to improved mental as well as physical health. Research by Psychologist James Pennebaker has shown that regular journaling strengthens immune cells called T-lymphocytes. What’s even better, is that writing about your struggles and painful thoughts helps you gain a distance from them, allowing you to vent as well as to gain a fresh perspective. So if you are feeling stressed because of the ongoing situation, get a pen and paper or just type on your phone whatever comes to your mind. Do it regularly to see that it helps to reduce some of the impact of all the stress. And who knows, you may even unleash some of that creative power of the right brain?
#9 Start gardening
Spending time with nature always brings a feeling of calmness which allows you to connect with your senses and can be really therapeutic. For most of us stuck in our homes right now and feeling like we are ‘losing it’, this can be your escape from the stress of it all! Gardening can teach you to develop acceptance, patience, mindfulness, curb your perfectionism, can be a great physical activity and a stress buster!
#10 Take an online course
If you are a Ratatouille fan, you know what Chef Gusteau’s favorite line was- Anyone can cook! Borrowing a little from him, I think that ‘anyone can learn!’ Being stuck in our homes all day with the same routine and no change in the environment can easily make us feel bored and dull. If you can relate, recharging your brain with a new skill-set can just be the perfect solution for you! God bless the Internet, you can learn anything from the online learning platforms many of which are being offered for free right now!
#11 It’s also OKAY if you just wanna Netflix & chill
Everyone copes with stress differently. So it’s important to recognize that even thought many of us may feel the need to utilize this time in the best way, this is a global crisis that we’re facing. While it’s helpful to keep oneself busy, you don’t need to pressurize yourself to be productive. It’s okay if it feels too much by just cooking, cleaning, and doing the household chores. It’s okay if you’re focusing on just ‘getting through’ and taking it one day a time.
That being said, you do whatever works best for you and make sure you are taking care of your mental health too. I really hope you find these tips helpful and that you are able to find strength and resilience in these strange times. I can’t give you false hopes, but I can definitely say that this is not gonna last forever and we are gonna get through this. Stay home, and stay safe!
