Reduce Your Stress During COVID-19

These are stressful times, folks. It seems as though every day, every hour really, we hear more difficult news about the virus.

How do we eliminate the stress about COVID -19?

The truth? You can’t.

Don’t be ignorant. Be aware this is a serious matter…That being said, you don’t want to dive too deep into the negativity pool. Be aware that there is this issue out there: we’re in a pandemic. You must wash your hands. You should practice social distancing. You shouldn’t hoard all the Charmin!

No people, you can’t eliminate stress, but you can relieve it!

You can find opportunities in darkness. You can use this time away from the other distractions in life to focus on yourself, health, and wellbeing – mind, body, and spirit.

Today, we talk about ways to reduce the mountain of stress the whole world is experiencing.

6 Simple Ways to Relieve Stress and Cope During a Pandemic

1. Learn Something 

Have you ever wanted to learn how to play an instrument? Did you ever wonder what it’s like to be an octopus? Have you ever thought about what ingredients and what exact amounts make the world’s best chocolate chip cookie? Now’s your chance. You can learn something new and feel good about doing that. If you don’t have an instrument or much time, squeeze in a five-minute YouTube video on how to change your air filter. How to say, “I love you” in Thai, Latin, or French. Anything! When we learn instead of worry, we distract ourselves by being productive. It’s never a bad thing to take some time to improve your mind. And it’s been shown that learning helps relieve stress, as it boosts confidence.

2. Skype/Call a Loved One

We can’t hang out in groups anymore, but that’s not the end-all-be-all. Technology is here to help, making it easy for you to still see friends and loved ones virtually. Was the bridal shower canceled? Reschedule it and do it over Skype or Zoom. Do you usually check-in with Mom for just five minutes every month? Call her now and make that woman happy, by spending an hour just chattin’. Social support from friends and family, whether in-person, virtually, or over the phone, can seriously help get you through any tough time that comes your way.

3. Play a Game 

Monopoly? Uno? I-Spy? 20 Questions? Do I need to even explain this one? A game helps keep your mind sharp, and there’s usually laughter and togetherness that follows. Playing games with others can help you feel a sense of belonging, and who doesn’t want to feel that type of goodness?

4. Exercise at Home Using Genesis Go

Endorphins, man, endorphins. Although it sounds contradictory, by putting your body through physical stress – through exercise – you can relieve your mind from mental stress. Many of us know the many benefits of exercise – improved mood, better body image, a sense of accomplishment, etc. But did you know people who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t partake in the get-healthy community? Although the gyms are closed, there are plenty of workouts you can do at home, no weights necessary. Genesis is here to help! Check out our page that gives daily workouts, daily group exercise classes. Our classes online are led by our highly-trained instructors. Our workout Blogs are designed by the best and brightest certified personal trainers. Check it out, thank us later.  

5. Practice Self-Care

Bring out the lavender candles, start a bubble bath and crank up the Toto… It’s time to practice self-care. What's self-care? It’s right in the name. Treat yo' self! Put a facemask on, trim your beard, do your nails, or take a hot shower. Do whatever it is that makes you feel good about you. Many times we overlook this important activity because we fear it’s overindulgent in some way. Trust me, it’s not. Self-care helps our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although simple, it’s just another way proven to improve mood and fight anxiety.

6. Listen to Soothing Tones and Music

Now is not the time for your favorite screamo band… Or maybe it is for you! But studies have shown that slow-paced instrumentals can help induce relaxation, by lowering your blood pressure, heart rate, and stress hormones. So, think about it. What band, genre, or song puts you at ease the moment you hear those first chords gently strumming? What lyrics make you feel empowered and ready to kick some Coronavirus butt? Whatever the song, whatever the genre, whatever puts you in a good and relaxed mood, play it, really listen to it, and feel a whole lot calmer.

I hope these stress relievers can help you find some peace during these troubling times. If you liked the mood-boosters mentioned today, be sure to check out the Genesis blog tomorrow for even more ways to alleviate stress and anxiety during COVID-19.

Resources:

https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot

https://www.wikihow.com/Relieve-Stress

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/16-ways-relieve-stress-anxiety#section12