During these uncertain times, it’s common to go a little crazy, and with Mental Health Awareness Month coming to an end, it is only fitting to discuss what we can do to minimize the stress and fear that this pandemic has inflicted on us. COVID-19 has impacted lives all over the world, and while everyone deals with stress in their own way, there are a few universal coping mechanisms that everyone can benefit from regardless of your age, ethnicity, or background.
- Boxing: Exercise and staying active is an effective way to deal with stress, and one of the best forms of exercise is boxing. The benefit of using a punching or blow-up bag is to help produce more feel-good endorphins in the brain, as well as reducing muscle tension from built-up stress. When using a punching bag, consider being creative by picturing your stressor and expressing your anger in a healthy and fun exercise.
- Puzzles: The best thing about puzzles is that everyone can use them! From jigsaw puzzles to word searches and sudoku, all can help relieve stress and improve your cognitive function, such as memory, problem-solving skills, and can even delay dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Painting/Coloring: No matter your age, you’re never too old to pick up a coloring book or paintbrush and get in touch with your artistic side. Not only is painting and coloring a fun hobby, but it is also a relaxed and therapeutic way to focus your mind and ease your body to help minimize stress, along with many other health benefits.
- Planning: We all know that proper preparation is key to achieving any goal, and during these socially distant times, minimizing stress should be one of our top goals. Plan your day to avoid future and possible stressors by preparing a to-do list or organizing a planner and sticking to it.
- Decorating: The best thing about decorating or redecorating is that you’re in control and can create a harmonious living area to help prevent and manage stress. Not only can certain colors and objects produce the wanted tone of your room and mood, but it is also a great way to be active in your home.
- Learn new Hobbies: Ever thought of learning to cook, bake, or play an instrument? Well, now that you may have some extra time due to quarantine, you can learn anything your mind and heart desires. Many professionals find hobbies to be a good way to stay focused, positive, and stress-free during these times.
- Gardening: Not only is gardening a great way to get out and absorb vitamin D, but it also gives you a chance to decrease your stress levels as you grow and consume food full of natural vitamins and minerals. Growing beautiful flowers, and delicious fruits and vegetables for only 30 minutes a day has proven to decrease your cortisol levels and increase your mood.
- Cleaning: Most of us dread cleaning out that closet or junk drawer, but organizing and cleaning out your house can serve as a mini-workout, stress reliever, and give you a new sense of perspective. The physical energy demands that cleaning and organizing require can help stimulate the body’s natural response to reduce pain or stress.
- Going outside: Whether you like to fish, hike, run, or walk your dog, going outside and enjoying nature is a great way to ease your stressors. Being outdoors does not necessarily mean being active, studies have shown that just 20 minutes of being outdoors in green spaces is good enough to increase your mood and reduce the risk of mental disorders.
- Be Social: It’s more difficult to interact with our friends and coworkers nowadays; however, we must find ways to continue to be social and interact with those who make life less stressful. In terms of reducing stress, the importance of socialization is due to the natural stress-relieving hormone oxytocin; but how can we be social during social distancing? Utilize the blessings that Zoom, Facetime, and other forms of technology have to offer to stay connected with friends and family.
