There’s no doubt that COVID has sparked more stress in our lives more so than before. While we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control how we respond to them. As a busy working mom with twin boys, this has not been easy for my family. Every day is a new challenge especially with my kids learning from home. Since the lockdown, I have stayed the course of continuing with some things I normally do for stress relief yet add a few things to cope with COVID. Here’s what I have been doing and will continue to do to manage my stress to calm my mind and body during these uncertain times.
1. STAY INFORMED FROM ACCURATE SOURCES
You are free to make bad choices but you need accurate information to make informed choices. For the past few months, I have avoided news overload by watching very little news but I stay informed about COVID from accurate sources like the CDC and WHO.
2. FOCUS ON THINGS I CAN CONTROL
I know I can’t control everyone and everything that surrounds me but I can focus on things that I can control. I choose to wear a mask when out in public, wash my hands, and stay 6 feet apart from people. I no longer get upset at people who do not wear masks because I can’t control them. I can walk away from them and let it be.
3. AVOID PEOPLE THAT STRESS ME OUT
I’ve been avoiding people that stress me out, particularly the ones that tend to be negative. Instead, I invest my time in finding things to do that can relax and recharge myself.
4. MAKE TIME FOR SELF-CARE
If you follow me then you know I make time for self-care on a routine basis. Every Sunday I do my own nails, mask my face and hair to help build up my emotional immune system. If I look good then I feel good.
5. LISTEN TO MY FAVORITE MUSIC
I don’t listen to music very often but when I do it’s usually while I cook. I love listening to my favorite music and sipping my wine while I cook. It makes me feel good and alive.
6. LIGHT SOME AROMATHERAPY CANDLES
I light up aromatherapy candles especially while I bath. It’s such a soothing and relaxing experience. I usually sleep soundly after such an experience.
7. NIGHTLY BATHS
Luxuriating in a long, hot bath has so many health benefits. It can elevate your mood, helps you sleep better, relieve any muscle pain, can relieve cold and flu symptoms, and help you decompress the day.
8. LAUGH
Laughter is the best medicine. This doesn’t cost a dime and it definitely regulates blood pressure, reduces the effects of stress, and even helps boost your immune system. Try watching a romantic comedy movie and I can promise you that you will feel so much better after.
9. GET MOVING
I stopped practicing yoga after our move. There was so much chaos in the house that I couldn’t really focus. Once our home renovation was complete I jumped right back in and it felt so good to practice yoga again. I also do nightly walks in our neighborhood as much as we can. It can really help clear your mind and reduce stress. I’m usually a happier person after.
10. LEARN TO AVOID PROCRASTINATION
I used to procrastinate and that had cost a lot emotionally and financially. I’m now more organized and learned how to manage my projects by getting things done as soon as possible without waiting ‘til the last minute.
11. MINDFUL BREATHING
Sometimes all you can do is breathe. Our system releases oxygen. Breathing can help to slow the heartbeat, lowering or stabilizing blood pressure and even lowering stress. Each day for five minutes I choose a location inside or outside of my home and focus on my breathing.
12. LEARN TO SAY NO
This took me years to perfect. I used to say Yes to everything cuz I thought I could do it all. I now learn that I can’t do everything on my own and that it’s okay to ask for help. Or better yet, say no at first so I don’t feel overwhelmed.
13. CREATE A PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT AT HOME FOR WORK
Having a pleasant environment at home and at work is very important to you and your family’s emotional health. I decorate my office space so it’s productive while setting boundaries with the family so that work and home are clearly defined.
14. GET ORGANIZED
I thrive when I’m organized! When I know where everything is I feel prepared. When I’m prepared I feel I can achieve anything.
15. STAY CONNECTED WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS
Staying connected virtually with family and friends is so crucial during times like this. I’m on a group chat with my sisters and we text each other multiple times every single day. I call and talk to my parents at least once a week. I also text my friends to check-in. We also do small get-togethers to see each other. This somewhat helps to feel a bit of normalcy.
16. READ
I love to curl up with a book or a magazine from time to time and just get lost. The hubs always make fun of me and warn the boys…don’t bother mom when she’s reading cuz she’s lost in her own world 🙂
17. PAY MY BILLS ON TIME
If there is one thing that can put me in the high anxiety alert it would have to be bills that are not fully paid and on time. I feel so good when all our bills are paid on time and our cc balance is zero – not only do we get to avoid paying any interest but also receive rewards for the amount that we had spent for the month. On top of that this behavior can boost our credit ratings so that when we are ready to invest for big purchases.
18. LIMIT ON CAFFEINE INTAKE
The older I get the less caffeine my body can tolerate. I now have one cup of coffee first thing in the morning and a caffeine-free tea in the afternoon before 3 pm. Otherwise, I will toss and turn all night long and won’t be able to get a good night’s sleep. This can have a negative domino effect the next day and sometimes well into the week.
19. REDUCE SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE
This is a tough one. Being a blogger I’m expected to be online to connect with my audience like you. Although I do enjoy it I have cut down on my usage since excessive use can create feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and more. Since the beginning of this year, I have limited my time on social media. I take at least a day off each week to unplug and to use this time for self-reflection – who I am, what I think, why I act the way that I do. These things allow me to grow as a person.
20. EXPRESS GRATITUDE
Gratitude helps us recognize all the things we have to be thankful for. I make a habit of either expressing my gratitude while having dinner with my family or write them down.
Stress is one of the factors that contribute to health problems, which can lead to depression and anxiety. How we respond to stress is different from one another. Some may turn to addictions, isolate themselves from friends and family, and in worst cases, some may have suicidal thoughts. I choose to fight my stress to live a healthier and better life with the above methods and I hope you do too.
2 Comments
I’m definitely trying to focus on number three. These are great thank you so much
You are welcome 🙂