Feeling Pent Up from COVID-19? Here are 5 self-care practices to help.
Within the past couple of weeks, and more recently this past weekend, we have all kept on eye on the news from the US, Italy, and all over the world. Most companies have moved their workers to remote status, and hopefully most of you are practicing self-quarantining at this point to prevent the spread of COVID-19. I may go as far to say that many people aren’t used to this much alone time, which can result in feeling pent up or getting cabin fever. With feelings of fear, anxiety, and realness of the Coronavirus, here are some self-care practices that I incorporate on the day-to-day as a regular “work-from-homer” to help relieve that anxiety.
Clean / Rearrange Your Spaces
Now that you are working remote, you’ll find that you have more time on your hands. I have found that a clean space makes room for a clear mind. If you rarely have time during the week to clean up your room, desk area, kitchen, etc. now is the perfect time to start fresh. Pull out that Mrs. Meyers and get to work! Maybe cleaning your spaces also means rearranging them, which can create a new, creative energy into a space that has looked the same since you first moved into your space.
Find a New Hobby
With gyms, restaurants, and other businesses closed, those post-work activities are temporarily suspended. But, that doesn’t mean that you need to stop post-work activities. Create a space in your apartment or house where you can flex your creative muscles after your work hours to decompress. Maybe you pull out that old paint set that you used to use in college. Or, you know that book that’s been sitting on your bedside table, untouched, for a month now? Pick it up and read! If you have been wanting to try something new, now is the perfect time to utilize YouTube tutorials, and online courses to expand your skill set or hobbies.
Practice Gratitude
The best way to change your mindset when you’re feeling scared or anxious is to turn to gratitude. Start by writing down a list of things your grateful for. As I’m writing this, here are three things I can think of right off the bat:
- I am grateful for having the ability to facetime my family members to make sure that everyone is ok.
- I am grateful for a good-vibe playlist to get me through some writing deadlines.
- I am grateful for the Colorado sunshine today.
Gratitude can be just about anything — you can make your list as simple or as detailed as you desire. Try writing three gratitudes, soak it all in, and see how you feel. Boom — your day just got a little bit better.
Get outside — while practicing social distancing.
One of the best ways to stop the spread of COVID-19 is to social distance, and self-quarantine. We’ve all seen this reported and spread throughout social media within the past week. With the closure of many social-gathering spots, you can still get outside because you know what’s not closed? The mountains, the beach, the woods, trails, etc. The best way to combat feeling pent-up is to get outside and get some endorphins flowing.
Exercise that generally goes hand-in-hand with spending time outdoors (hiking, biking, water activities) spurs the production of endorphins, your brain’s “feel-good” neurotransmitters — this is the sensation often referred to as a “runner’s high.” With increased endorphin levels, you’ll feel loose, clear-headed, and calm.
-MentalFloss
Disconnect From Electronics
We are so connected to our screens on a daily basis, and when working from home, it’s an even bigger temptation to throw on that Netflix series you’ve been binging “for background noise.” With all the news of COVID-19 accessible through one tap on our phones via Twitter, news outlets, Instagram, etc. it can feel overwhelming. This week, take the time to turn off your tv, silence your phone, and shut down your computer. Start with 20 minutes to reset however it best serves you. Maybe it’s going for a small walk. Maybe it’s meditating. Whatever you need for 20 minutes, take the time to do it.
This is a difficult time for everyone, and it’s important to take care of ourselves — especially during a time of stress and uncertainty. Maybe it’s the time we need to take a look inward at our personal progress, dreams, goals, and how we can improve as friends, family members, lovers, community members, and supporters.
Please, be safe. We will get through this, together.
If you are feeling extremely overwhelmed about all things Coronavirus, please visit: https://www.crisistextline.org/?source=promo-a2b233c13556--1-----home_coronavirus
