6 WAYS TO MITIGATE ONGOING PANDEMIC STRESS

When the pandemic first hit, we were saying things like, “we’re all in this together, remember this is temporary, take one day at a time,” now zoom forward a year and a half and most folks are so over it! Done. Exhausted. Beyond caring! There has been some sense of reprieve and now cases are increasing. No one can guarantee an end date to this pandemic. To say the least, this extended time of stress, conflict, and uncertainty is taking its toll. 

Here are some practical ways for you to take care of yourself and to mitigate the negative impact of ongoing stress. 

1.    ACCEPT NOW IS DIFFERENT: It just is. The more you wish for things to be different, the more distress you feel. Now may suck. And that’s okay. Welcome it as part of being human. (Maybe there is something to learn here?)

2.    SLOW DOWN: Do less. Go with the “good enough” standard for now. Practice yoga, meditation, or relaxation exercises. Enjoy simple pleasures. 

3.    BOUNDARIES: Be clear with yourself and others. What you are willing and able to do? Or not do? Where are you comfortable? How do you want to spend your time and where do you want to invest your energy?

4.    USE YOUR GREATEST RESOURCES: Your body and nature. Get outside! Move your body! Exercise. Touch nature. Let it hold you. Sense spirit. Pray. Scream! Give it up to the world.

5.    MEET YOUR BASIC NEEDS: Get enough sleep, exercise, healthy foods, and water. Avoid caffeine, sugar, and processed foods. 

6.    CONNECT WITH OTHERS: Nurture key relationships. Reach out to friends and family. Join a group. Schedule an appointment with a therapist. 

Coriander Living Collective is here to support you with individual sessions and workshops. Life can be tough. Now might be the time to reach out. No need to “go it alone!”