Coronavirus Stress Management Tips

Our new coronavirus reality has created a world fraught with a heightened level of fear and anxiety for all of us. A level of fear reminiscent of the terrorism anxieties after 9/11 — though at least then we weren’t scared to touch each other.

Here are some strategies I’ve found helpful in the most stressful times in my life (with a few more coronavirus-specific suggestions), that have kept me from going bonkers.

Exercise

Although we still need to stay at home as much as possible, you can exercise even if you usually work out at a gym that’s still closed. Getting an hour or so of exercise every day not only boosts your immune system, but it’s also essential to keeping the heebie-jeebies at bay. So kickstart those endorphins (neurotransmitters that help combat stress) by staying active. If you don’t have workout equipment at home, find an at-home workout online that appeals to you that doesn’t require equipment. Try a barre workout using a straight back chair; find a yoga video; walk up and down stairs if that’s an option for you. Dance around the house. Walk if you can.

Spend time outside

Being outdoors in nature is calming to our bodies and minds. Even if you live in an area where “nature” means a few scraggly bushes next to the dumpster, being outside still combats stress — and chances are, there are at least a few trees nearby. If you’re able to walk, even better — as long as you don’t feel sick and you practice social distance.

Meditation

There are tons of online resources on many forms of meditation, as well as science-based studies on their positive effects on mental and physical well-being. Some of the most widely-used methods include focusing on your breath, ambient sound, music or body sensations, or a mantra (a word or syllable you repeat over and over to yourself). There are so many resources on meditation that I’m just including this link to a friend’s comprehensive book on mindfulness and meditation practices. To find more, just google “meditation for anxiety” or “meditation for stress relief.”

Interact with other humans

Social distancing is tough for most of us — but since this is 2020 and not 1820, there are many ways you can interact with others without being coronally close (I know that’s not a word. Maybe it’ll catch on). Have an actual phone conversation rather than text, or video chat with someone you haven’t seen in a while.

Help someone else

A great way to redirect stress is to focus on how you might help others. There are many things you can do remotely, from delivering supplies to a neighbor who’s unable to leave their home to providing various types of online services. Many areas have recently developed sites that act as a “helping hub;” Nextdoor.com is a good place to start.

Be creative, and/or indulge in your preferred form of escapism

Doing something creative or being absorbed in an activity that interests you is a bit like meditation — you’re focusing on something specific and shifting your attention away from what’s causing you stress. You’re “in the zone” and not thinking about the coronavirus. So write. Draw. Sing. Binge-watch bad 70s TV. Play games. Create a game.

Don’t watch movies or shows about the zombie apocalypse

Unless you find it cathartic, in which case bingeing on zombie apocalypse movies could be one of the most effective ways to manage the stress of our new coronavirus world.