Stress Management Tips for COVID-19

Are you struggling to adapt to the changes imposed by COVID-19 and related restrictions?  Have you noticed an increase in stress levels lately? Well, you’re certainly not alone.

During this time of quarantine and social distancing, we’re all facing similar challenges right now. Just like physical health, the pandemic’s unique risk factors make it more important than ever to take care of our mental wellness.

 Adjusting to changes of any sort can be difficult in the best of circumstances. Under pressure, though, learning to adapt can feel downright impossible. 

Some changes Covid-19 is causing are ones we all need to get used to, like:

• Wearing masks in public
• Maintaining 6 feet of social distance
• Washing our hands more often
• Staying home unless it’s necessary to leave

Other ways we need to adapt may be more specific. In the same vein, some COVID-19 changes are major, while others might feel more trivial. 

In this article, we’re sharing a few examples of both major and minor changes we need to adapt to the pandemic – while taking care of our mental wellness. Read on to learn some tips for how to handle them while managing and reducing the stress they bring.

Foster a Homeless Pet to Boost Mood and Manage Stress

Adopting a pet is a huge commitment. People should only undertake this major life change after careful consideration, even if you’re feeling lonely during social distancing or quarantine. If you want the company of a furry friend, consider fostering instead. 

Fostering a pet is a much more temporary process than adoption. As Today points out, this process is also loaded with benefits:

• Caring for a homeless pet can add some excitement to your days. 
• If you’re working from home, having a pet can decrease stress levels

To reduce any anxieties you may have about opening your home to a shelter animal, do your research first. Take the time to learn all the information you can before taking on this new responsibility. 

Make Home Buying a Little Less Stressful During COVID-19

 If you have an upcoming move planned that you can’t postpone, you probably feel a little overwhelmed. The prospect of buying and selling property is especially daunting during these challenging times.

Widespread business closings and social-distancing rules can make checking out homes and working with realtors seem impossible right now.

Redfin explains that current real estate challenges don’t have to stop you from buying the home of your dreams. In keeping with the times, real estate professionals and sellers are using virtual tools to avoid face-to-face interactions, such as: 

• 3D walkthroughs
• Virtual signings

Thanks to the power of technology, there are plenty of home buying solutions to keep you safe. 

Keep Yourself and Others Safe While Moving Long-Distance 

 Speaking of your move, buying a home isn’t the only step in this process that might need some tweaking. Moving during the pandemic requires taking extra precautions to keep your family protected. 

Here are a few ways to keep yourself, your family, and professionals you hire safe and healthy:

• Stepping outside of your home to maintain social distancing CDC guidelines if you hire professional movers 
• Checking in with movers to establish their needs and comfort level
• Coordinating what time to be out of the house before they arrive to pack
• Asking professional moving companies what precautions they’re taking to limit the spread of COVID-19. 

During COVID-19, long-distance moves will require some added planning and care.  If you’re  moving across state lines, this is especially true. 

Before you begin your journey, check the applicable state restrictions. Make sure you know what is closed, open, and safe along the way. 

Stress-Free DIY Haircut Tips 

 Giving yourself a trim at home isn’t a major transition, unless you plan on shaving your head completely. Even if you’re not getting a whole new look, cutting your own hair can still be a stressful task to try the first time. 

If you’re feeling nervous about doing an at-home haircut, here are three great tips:

• Reach out to your regular stylist for advice
• Consult a haircutting guide
• Invest in a high-quality cutting or styling tool 

If you do plan on giving yourself a buzz cut or have shorter hair to maintain, buying a set of quality clippers can make things easier. Getting professional advice will help you avoid making major mistakes. Armed with the right advice, any mess-ups you make will be easier to fix once salons are open again. 

Make Growing a New Garden Stress-Free During COVID-19

 Thinking of growing your own food to avoid shopping trips? Does the prospect of starting a garden make you feel a little nervous, though? You’re not alone.

Even though gardening can alleviate stress during times of  uncertainty like the current crisis, getting started for the very first time can also be a little stressful.  Before you begin, consider mapping out a plan and add small pieces of it into your daily routine.

Here are a few ways to reduce stress around gardening:

• Researching gardening tips online
• Planning what you want to grow
• Getting the tools and materials you need beforehand
• Choosing the right vegetables

Taking these steps at the beginning will help ensure success. 

Greens, peppers and beans tend to be perfect plants to give your green thumb its first workout. These plants also taste great in a variety of dishes. Together, these benefits give you terrific ROI for your hard work. 

Make Stress Management a Daily Priority During the COVID-19 Pandemic 

The world is quickly changing, every day. Sometimes, it can feel hard to keep up. Having resources and tips in your toolbox will make adapting to change less stressful.

Whether you’re dealing with small changes or major transitions, try to slow down, take a breath, and get engaged. Doing so will help you maintain your mental health and sense of wellbeing.

 If you’re looking for a place to start, check out the various programs available through Strength in Our Voices to support your health and wellbeing. Doing some research can empower you can to proceed forward with as little stress as possible.