We’re no astrologers, but if 2020 had a zodiac sign, it would definitely be a Gemini. It seems as though the year has taken on a new personality every month, and just when you think you’re finally getting a hang of things, you’ve been met with new and unforeseen challenges. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of cognitive dissonance, to say the least.
This last month has been no exception— just as the US celebrates the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine’s initial doses, many regions of the country have shut down again. California is one state that’s taken on some more aggressive measures to address the pandemic. Early December saw new guidelines for enforcing stay-at-home orders, which went into effect for the entire Bay Area Region as of the 18th.
If you’re feeling stressed out all over again with a case of the stay-at-home blues, you’re not alone. Managing the stresses of fluctuating work situations, isolating from friends & family, and trying to maintain any semblance of sanity have been, for many, some of the more difficult aspects of living through the pandemic.
Since California’s newest stay-at-home order has many of us feeling like it’s been March for 9 months now, we wanted to give you a little encouragement, and a reminder that we can all get through this together. We’ve rounded up some of the best stay-at-home stress management tips available to help you through.
Set A Schedule
Taking the time to write your daily plans down (not just for work) will help ameliorate the feeling of being unproductive. Schedule time to talk to your friends, meal times, and time for leisure activities. Keeping a schedule will also help you follow through with your day to day plans!
Stay in Touch with Friends and Family
Along similar lines as our first tip— schedule time to stay in touch with your friends and family. Now more than ever, maintaining human contact is vital to wellbeing. We know this can be tough, especially for those of us who are not technologically inclined. But taking the extra step to commit to being social virtually, in the same way you might have previously committed to a night out, can make all the difference.
Move Your Body
Though exercise may be a primary practice to stay active, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself moving. If virtual Zumba isn’t quite your thing, try an easy stretch yoga class! If you work from home, try standing instead of sitting for your work day. Play twister with your roommates! Have a virtual dance party to your favorite DJ’s live stream! Whatever you do, keeping your body moving is one of the best ways to fend off cabin fever.
Take Time Away From Screens
In the wake of the pandemic, many of us now find ourselves looking at screens more often than we look at another human face. This is especially true for those of us who are working from home. Too much screen time can increase stress, and lead to fatigue. Try having measured breaks in between every hour of screen time, or making sure to set schedules for screen use and put your phone away before bedtime!
Be Honest With Yourself
It’s okay to not be okay! If you’re having a hard time focusing or you’re feeling stressed out or anxious, give yourself a break. Do you clench your jaw when you’re stressed, or tense your shoulders, or fidget? Did reading that sentence just make you stop doing any of those things? If so, you might consider taking moments throughout the day to do body scans and take breaks or switch up your routine when you’re feeling stressed. If you’re looking for more help, check the resources page of our website.