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Reduce Stress During Social Distancing

Here are a few simple activities to reduce stress and anxiety while adhering to social distancing orders.

By Ashley Beatty-PernettiPublished 4 years ago 5 min read
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Quarantine Day #23

With the well-known COVID-19 pandemic, it’s no secret that many individuals are experiencing higher than usual stress and anxiety levels. This is a strange time for all of us, and not knowing what’s to come can lead to feelings of hopelessness and increased stress. For some, their usual coping mechanisms have been temporarily taken away due to the widespread social distancing orders: traveling, visiting friends or family, even going to the bar for a couple drinks. Finding new ways to cope with this uncertainty can be a grueling process, but self-care is a top priority in times like this. Let’s take a look at a few different coping mechanisms that can be done from the comfort of one’s home, or six feet away from others.

1. Exercise. With most of the gyms and workout centers closed until further notice, a lot of people have found alternative ways to remain active. For those of us who loath exercise, it is helpful to know that it’s one of the most important activities one can do to alleviate mental and emotional stress, and it doesn’t have to be intense exercise. Some simple activities to get your heart rate up include dancing, yoga, or going for a walk. All of which can be done while safely adhering to the social distancing order. Being active releases endorphins, a chemical known to improve one’s mood. It can also help with sleep consistency when done on a regular basis.

Although exercise isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, perhaps now is the perfect time to find an activity that creates joy. It can be simple or complex, you just have to take the first step.

2. Relaxing scents. It may sound cliche, but lighting a scented candle or using essential oils can help reduce stress and anxiety. For those that are skeptical of essential oils, start with a scented candle in a well-lit room with a cozy vibe. Lavender, rose, and orange are three well-known aromatherapy scents that are especially soothing, all available in candle form. As far as essential oils, those scents and many more are available online, and they are pretty simple to use. For a more cost-efficient solution, candles are the way to go.

3. Journal. Although writing may not be for everyone, it can certainly help when the mind is on overdrive. Grab a journal and jot down all the things that seem to be causing stress or anxiety. Neat, sloppy, big, small. It doesn’t matter. Sometimes it can even help to crumple up that piece of paper and toss it in the trash -- metaphorically throwing your anxieties away. If writing isn’t your thing, consider doodling, painting, or any activity that allows the creative juices to flow.

4. Reduce caffeine. Really? Yes. Caffeine is a stimulant and ingesting too much can increase one’s anxiety. The threshold is different for each person, but if you’ve ever experienced unsteady hands or a racing heart after your three cups of coffee or tea, consider cutting back. It’s as simple as that. Reduce caffeine, reduce anxiety.

5. Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness allows you to connect to the “now,” and anchor you in the present moment. Rather than dwelling on all of the stressful things that have happened, will happen, or might happen, mindfulness helps you focus on what you have right now. Soak in the present, enjoy it. There are multiple types of mindfulness, including meditation and yoga. A quick internet search can give some guidance on what type might work best for you.

6. Cuddle. While social distancing has drastically limited the amount of human interaction we’re allowed to have, some of us are lucky enough to live with a significant other. Positive physical touch releases oxytocin, which can decrease blood pressure and heart rate, lowering stress and anxiety naturally. This can include cuddling, kissing, hugging, and sex. Fun fact: chimpanzees also partake in cuddling when they feel stressed out.

Please keep in mind throughout this pandemic, though, if you suspect you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please refrain from cuddling your loved ones until you’re 100% positive that you’re no longer contagious.

7. Listen to music. Music is something that will always remain constant. It may change and evolve as the preferences change throughout the generations, but it will always be available. Listening to soothing instrumentals or slow-paced ballads can help jump start the relaxation response by decreasing stress hormones. Oftentimes, this kind of music is incorporated into meditation and relaxation practices. Try listening to soothing music for ten or fifteen minutes prior to bedtime or when you’re feeling particularly anxious. Another beneficial aspect of listening to music is that it can be done while practicing other stress-reducing activities, like yoga or meditation. Spotify has hundreds of playlists for relaxation and signing up is free.

These 7 simple activities won’t change the current events going on in the world, but they can definitely help alleviate some of the stress factors that may arise. As long as you can find an activity that sparks joy and helps you live in the present moment, reduced stress and anxiety should be close behind. Keep in mind that many of these activities can be paired with one another. If you’re unsure where to start, ask for help and remember that everyone deals with stress and anxiety in different ways. Use this guide as a reference when feeling stuck, or the usual coping mechanisms aren’t successful.

To everyone out there feeling stressed out or anxious, I see you. I understand you. Stay home, stay safe, and stay healthy. Remember to practice self-care and adhere to social distancing orders. We will get through this together.

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About the Creator

Ashley Beatty-Pernetti

Wife. Mom. Creator.

Just a messy 29-year-old, wading her way through life, one word at a time.

Raising mental health awareness with the written word and firsthand experience.

Both fiction and non-fiction stories to nourish your soul.

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