Managing stress while in isolation
Isolation is not something humans are built for. We are social animals and benefit immensely from our social interactions. Even further, humans largely do not have instinct because they have replaced it with culture and learning from others. Our babies are born defenseless and remain dependent on their mother longer than most other animals because we need the physical touch and interaction to grow and develop. Considering all of this, it is no wonder that sheltering in place is affecting us so negatively emotionally. The isolation combined with fear and dread of the future is enough to make anyone lose their spirit! Though these are unprecedented times, we can manage stress with these 5 useful tips.
1 - Exercise Regularly
If you had a regime before, modify it to work in lock down. If you never exercise now is the time to start! If you are looking for ideas, previously, we made a daily 20 minute program here that is easy to follow and requires no equipment. Exercise does not have to be dull though, playing with your kids, dancing or playing yard games all can count! Not only does the exercise increase your heart rate and lung capacity, which will improve your chances against the virus, but it also releases endorphins. Endorphins are the chemicals that make you feel happy and generally improve your mood. If you are feeling sluggish or low it will boost you back up naturally!
2 - Prepare, Don't Panic
We are deep in our lock downs as of now, but there is still plenty of prepping that can be done. Prep your meals for the week, write down everything you need to make them so you can make one stop, instead of several. Look at your finances and goals and modify them for several months of interrupted living. Whatever parts of your life that feel like they are unraveling due to the lock down, take the time to prepare them to work in the best way possible for you. If something feels especially dire, schedule a consultation with an expert. For example, if you are worried about your portfolio, call your broker. About your mental well being, your psychologist, experts are still available for reasonable conversation and advice that could help you look at the future in a more realistic way.
3 - Maintain your Sleep Schedule
It is easy to under or over sleep right now and to start having erratic patterns. For me, I have always had a hard time sleeping and this situation has made it worse. To aid in keeping as normal of a sleep pattern as possible, set wake up and bedtimes and follow them. Even if you are unable to fall asleep in bed, avoid screens and over thinking. If you find yourself overthinking, head over to one of our many breathing exercises for sleep or relaxation here. Try to avoid self medication with OTC or prescription drugs and alcohol. Often narcotics will help you sleep, but the sleep is full of unrest and can leave you feeling more tired than you were before.
4 - Maintain a Healthy Diet
Boredom and worry can breed many things and overeating or unhealthy eating is definitely one of them. Avoid purchasing junk foods and other “bad” items to help cut out temptations. If you must have a sweet, consider turning it into a project. Bring in the kids and start a baking day. You can teach them the fundamentals of baking while also making a fun activity. With homemade treats there will also be the added bonus of less preservatives and fillers and you can control fat and sugar levels. Another great idea is to make meal plans and create healthy snacks that are ready to go in the fridge so you have something quick that is nutritious.
5 - Socialize Safely
Nothing can substitute human contact, in my opinion. Talking on the phone or Zoom does not substitute a human touch for me, but at the same time these interactions are better than nothing. Try to plan video and phone dates with friends and loved ones. Also, be sure to check in on those who are particularly low. It is also important to realize that not everyone will feel like talking or want to and that is fine. An email or text to let them know you are thinking of them can still brighten their day. Refrain from guilt trips or judgments if they do want to be alone. You can get creative with these dates, having virtual happy hours or movie nights. There are even new games and apps for people to play now on their video conferences to add some fun to the interaction. However you do it though, be sure to reach out. If you find yourself going into a hole do not be afraid to reach out for help.
All in all, the overarching theme here is to try to keep as much of your normal life as possible during these not so normal times. While we can't bring things as they were, we can keep some of what makes us feel like us. The important thing to remember is that humans are incredibly versatile and resilient. We shall overcome and adapt and we will come back stronger after this quarantine. If there is one thing we know from history, it is that everything is a cycle and this is just one of the many passes of turmoil we will go through but also come out on the other end. This is not our first or last brush with tragedy.
How are you handling the quarantine? What tips and tricks do you recommend? Reach out to us with any comments or questions at info@bullionite.com