15 ways to reduce stress and isolation
By MultiCare Health System
For many, the newly enforced stay-at-home order means a significant change to everyone’s daily schedule and scenery. Combine that with the fear, anxiety and unknowns that come with the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and most of us are feeling far from normal.
The team from MultiCare’s Center for Health Equity and Wellness provides the following tactics to make the most out of social distancing.
- Tidy your space.
We all have that cluttered closet or room we have been meaning to clean out for months. Take this time to go through your clothes, shoes and declutter your home. Create a pile to donate when businesses are open.
- Shake it off.
Turn your favorite music up and let loose. Free your body of tension and stress with movement.
- Find your inner chef.
Now is the time to cook more homemade meals and experiment with different ingredients. See what concoction you can come up with.
- Challenge your mind.
Do puzzles, crossword puzzles, word searches, sudoku, read a book, mad libs, play a board or card game.
- Become a pen pal.
Brighten somebody’s day by mailing them a card telling them you care and are thinking about them through all of this.
- Connect with nature.
Get some fresh air while maintaining distance. Any form of movement helps reduce stress.
- Exercise your green thumb.
Pull those weeds. Add some color to your yard by planting beautiful flower bulbs that will brighten your spring days. Plus, you’ll get to be productive while getting some fresh air.
- Start a new hobby.
Learn to play an instrument, sew, cross stitch, paint, draw, build an indoor garden, etc.
- Enhance your writing skills.
Get in the creative spirit and write a short story, poem, song or start a daily diary of your thoughts.
- Express gratitude.
Write something positive that happened each day and share it with those around you or put it in a jar. At the end of the month, read them all out loud. Sometimes we need a reminder of all the little things that give us joy.
- Plan for the future.
Write down all the things you want to do when you no longer need to practice social distancing. Think of places you want to visit or local eateries you want to try.
- Treat yourself.
Paint your nails, have a homemade facial or enjoy a relaxing bubble bath. Self-care is so important, especially during these times.
- Plan virtual dates with friends and family.
Have a virtual coffee or movie date. Create a challenge where you have a virtual competition making cupcakes or a pasta dish using random ingredients from your pantry. Take pictures and have friends vote on who made it best.
- Find a favorite podcast.
Listen to a podcast while you are doing all of the above. Podcasts are a great way to zone out and think about something else. Recommendations from MultiCare employees include: Office Ladies, No Such Thing as a Fish, UW Film Club (exploration of movies of all kinds hosted by students) or Salad Song.
- Join the Hope Grows Here Community Project
Hope Grows Here is a community project supported by MultiCare. From the safety of your home, you can provide a morale boost for everyone who needs it through art, projects and small acts of service.
We recognize that the situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak will continue to change. For the most updated information, resources and ways you can help, visit the MultiCare COVID-19 Resource Center. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
