ITS Blog

Stress Relief Tips for Keeping your Calm During COVID-19 Quarantine


Stress Relief Tips for Keeping your Calm During COVID-19 Quarantine


The outbreak of the coronavirus has caused a very stressful environment; not only are loved ones in danger of being affected, but millions of people have been laid off as a result of the virus outbreak. Being in self-quarantine can be particularly stressful for those who suffer from mental illnesses such as depression or anxiety. However, in this chaotic time, it’s important to take care of yourself as best as you possibly can. Such a pandemic can cause feelings of being out of control, which can be particularly stressful. Some people may experience changes in sleeping or eating patterns, difficulty sleeping or concentrating during this time. Taking care of yourself, your friends, and your family can help you cope with stress. Here are some tips on how to relieve stress while in quarantine.


  1. TAKE A BREAK FROM THE NEWS

We all know that the coronavirus continues to spread, and it seems to be all that the media is focusing on at the moment. This news can be very upsetting and stressful to hear day after day. Taking a break from social media and the news can be a good way to distract yourself for a while. It’s important to take this situation seriously and stay informed, but becoming obsessed with the news regarding the virus can be seriously detrimental to your mental health.

Take a break, the news will still be there tomorrow.


  1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY

Taking care of your body is extremely important, not only now, but always. Since public gyms have been shut down it can seem difficult to stay active. Here are some tips to help:

  • Many gyms have launched free online classes in light of the current situation. Taking some classes to get your blood flowing could be a great way to stay in shape.

  • Meditation has been proven to be extremely beneficial for both mental and physical health. Find a peaceful space, and get comfortable. Focus on your breath. Sit still and follow your breath for a few minutes. There are several apps that can help guide you if you’re new to meditation, or if you just want some instruction (Headspace, Calm, Aura, etc.) 

  • Try practicing yoga. There are hundreds of free yoga videos on YouTube ranging in difficulty. All you need is an open space and a few minutes of time.

  • Make sure you’re eating healthy (and regularly!). Shifting from working or going to school to living at home can disrupt a lot of daily routines. Make sure that you’re eating at least three balanced meals a day.


  1. MAKE TIME TO UNWIND

Designate a time each day to relax a little. Maybe start a new book or TV show. Puzzles are a great way to have fun with your family and unwind. Here are some TV recommendations from us here at ITS:

  • Everything’s Gonna Be Okay - Hulu

  • I’m Not Okay With This - Netflix

  • New Girl - Netflix

  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia - Hulu

  • Arrested Development - Netflix


  1. CONNECT WITH OTHERS

It’s extremely important to stay in contact with others. Not only to make sure they’re in good health, but because social interaction is very healthy. Especially if you live alone, try to find a time that works to call your friends or family. We’re very lucky that we live in a time where communication online is so easy; FaceTime, Skype, Facebook, and even texting are great ways to stay in touch.


  1. REMAIN CALM

Although it seems like we’re living in a world of never ending chaos, it’s imperative to stay calm. As long as you are following the quarantine and social distancing measures recommended by the CDC, everything will be okay. There’s no use in panicking in a situation that you can’t control. Just take it day by day. We’re all in this together.

 

You can visit the CDC website and the University’s website for additional information on the actual virus at - https://www.binghamton.edu/health/coronavirus/. The University will continue to share information via this website and “Dateline” on a regular basis. 

 

If you receive any Coronavirus-related email and phishing scams, report them to security@binghamton.edu.

 

Please contact the ITS Help Desk at 607-777-6420 or helpdesk@binghamton.edu with any questions.