Stress Reducers During COVID

In recognition of National Stress Awareness Day and to address the stress we are all certainly feeling right now, we have a few suggestions to help you reduce stress during the COVID-19 outbreak:

Video chat with Friends & Family

Continue to connect with loved ones, even if you can’t be near them. We really are just physically distancing that doesn’t mean we have to be socially distant! Cultivating a sense of community and connectedness can help ease stress.

Pick up a new hobby

Just as connecting with others can reduce stress, so can a bit of alone time to help you recharge and discover a new talent! We’ve tried our hand at sewing, needle point and completed a puzzle or three in the last few weeks! 

Read a new book

Escape into a new reality with a fiction book put you’ve wanted to read and haven’t had time for. Or take this time to read something informative about a topic you’ve always been interested in.

Listen to a podcast

Get yourself up to speed on current events with podcasts like the Daily from The New York Times or indulge in a guilty pleasure like the Tiger King.

Cook a healthy meal

Take this opportunity to add something new to your cooking repertoire. Try cooking outside the box – cook up something vegetarian or vegan or try making an Indian Curry! 

Stream an at-home workout

Exercise is a great way to eliminate stress and this can also be a great way to support small local business. Many small gyms in the Salt Lake Valley are offering streaming workouts at low cost! 

Get outside! 

Fresh air is the ultimate stress reducer and is encouraged during this time of social distancing, just make sure you are staying 6 feet away from others! Check out a local park or pick a trail you’ve been meaning to hike! 

Pick a few “back burner”’ items to tackle

Check a couple things off your to do list you’ve been meaning to do, but haven’t had the time for. Organize your pantry, clean out your garage, or your closet. Being productive during this down-time can give you a self-esteem boost!

Most importantly don’t be hard on yourself and remember we are all in this together! Some days will be difficult and you may not get as much done or be as productive as you would hope. This is certainly a time full of unknowns and stress for most everyone but eliminating self judgement is key.