The pandemic presented the world with a situation none of us were prepared for. We never thought that there would be a time when we had to isolate ourselves from the rest of the world, stay inside and practice other preventative measures to keep us safe during a global virus outbreak.
Quarantine has looked different for everyone. Some people:
Are virtual learning
Are working completely remote
Have lost their jobs
Decided to retire early only to find themselves unfulfilled
Have gotten sick and struggled to recover or have not recovered at all
Are mothers who are now teachers
Are women who are now new mothers
Living in abusive households
Are struggling with their eating disorder again
Are struggling with their mental health disorder again
Some of the most pressing Public Health issues have risen again these past few years which are racism, the virus, mental unrest, alcohol and other substance abuse issues, sexual health, body image concerns and disordered eating and this is leaving people feeling lonely, isolated, disconnected, feeling like a failure, restless and anxiety ridden.
Whether this is you or not, below are some tips to help reduce stress during this time and anytime you need them!
Tips for Stress Reduction:
sometimes you need to be a little selfish
set personal boundaries and learn how to say no
get enough sleep- schedule a time to get in bed and a time to wake up
journal and write out your thoughts or confide in someone you trust
get movement in daily- this can be as simple as a walk or stretch routine, or a full workout
connect with others in some way, join a local Facebook group or community outreach program
practice deep breathing and gratitude daily (you can't be pissy when you're happy!)
have a growth mindset instead of a stagnant one
know when to ask for help and then ask for it
laugh more- watch a funny movie or spend time with pets
help others which builds upon your purpose and connection
express yourself and harness your creativity in some way
know the signs and triggers that bring up stress and anxiety in your life
take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to media
try to do some other activities you enjoy
get reacquainted with your spirituality lastly, do nothing - absolutely nothing. turn off all screens, all sounds and lay flat on the floor if you can. Close your eyes and try to quiet your mind. Focus on how your body feels from your toes to your head. Try to breath deeply into the tension spaces in your body and tell yourself that you'll be okay. You've made it through all the hard parts of your life already, you can keep going. Here's a quick mediation that can help you relax...
List of Helplines:
Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990 (press 2 for Spanish), or text TalkWithUs for English or Hablanos for Spanish to 66746. Spanish speakers from Puerto Rico can text Hablanos to 1-787-339-2663.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for English, 1-888-628-9454 for Spanish, or Lifeline Crisis Chat
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4AChild (1-800-422-4453) or text 1-800-422-4453
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or Online Chat
The Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116 TTY Instructions
Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or Crisis Chat or text: 8388255
Find a health care provider or treatment for substance use disorder and mental health:
SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 1-800-487-4889
Interactive Map of Selected Federally Qualified Health Centers
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