GENERAL TIPS

  1. Stay Connected. Check in on your brothers, friends and family. Even if it’s a quick phone call or text message, it’s always nice to know someone is thinking about you.
  2. Set up a routine. It doesn’t need to be a minute by minute, map your entire day out kind of routine, but just some basics for when you get up in the morning, when you eat your meals, and what you do before bedtime.
  3. Cut yourself some slack. This is a time of constant stress and anxiety, which can impact anyone. There’s nothing wrong with trying to be productive during this time, but there is also nothing wrong with slowing down. You can always finish your to-do list tomorrow.
  4. Ask for help. Support can come in a number of forms, from chatting to a close friend, finding an online support group, or talking to a trained professional. If you’re not sure where to start, you can give apps or websites like Headsapce or Talkspace a try.

 

PHYSICAL WELLBEING

  1. Stay Active. Exercise can help lower stress and increase focus. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, stretching in the morning, completing a body weight routine, or a yoga sequence, a little can go a long way. If you need some ideas on how to start working out at home, check out this article.
  2. Try to eat healthy. Easier said than done when it might be hard to get to a grocery store, or things like fresh produce are hard to find. The important thing is to make sure you’re actually eating, as lack of appetite may be a common symptom during stressful times like these.
  3. Stay Hydrated. Hydration is really important, and easy to forget about when you’re stuck at home all day. Not sure if you’re getting enough water, or need ideas on how to increase your water intake, check out the Mayo Clinic’s site for more information.
  4. Take your meds. During the best of times, it’s important to take your medications and prescriptions as directed, and even then, it is pretty easy to forget. During stressful times, it can be even harder to remember to take your medications on schedule.

 

MENTAL WELLBEING

  1. Turn off or limit how much time you spend with the news or on social media, as they can distract you from other things you should/want to do, can amplify stress and anxiety, and leave you feeling drained.
  2. Vent your feelings. Find a way to vent your emotions constructively (rather than destructively). For some people, this could look like journaling or talking to a close friend, for others it could include spending time on a hobby, working out, cooking or meal prepping, or doing something creative.
  3. Try meditating or breathing exercises. Meditation is not for everyone, but it’s certainly worth a try if you’re trying to find a new way to relax or manage stress. Even a simple breathing exercise can help increase focus and lower your stress.
  4. Pamper yourself: Treat yourself to some extra self-care during this time of social distancing and quarantining. Whether it’s an extra-long hot shower, supporting your favorite local restaurant by ordering delivery for dinner, or wrapping up with a soft blanket and disappearing into your favorite game, treating yourself to some extra pampering can help boost your mood.