You are not alone. People are struggling. Kids are at home much more than normal. Maybe they’re even home all the time. If you are still working, work is stressful. If you are not working or lost your job, lack of work is stressful. Each time you turn on the news you are reminded of the frightening and chaotic world we live in. So. How do you manage.
1) Take a breath. We are in this for the long haul. Take a deep breath. Also encourage your partner to slow down and breathe.
2) Take a break from the news. Limit exposure to once a day at the most. People used to survive with just one half hour of nightly news. If possible, take a longer break - maybe a few days or a week.
3) Be gentle with each other. Maybe the kids haven’t had vegetables or you haven’t showered in a few days. Maybe the house is cluttered and the mail is unorganized. It’s okay. These are strange times. This is not business as usual.
4) Get outside. Fresh air and a change of scenery is still available even if your local libraries and favorite restaurants are not.
5) Move. Run. Go for a walk. Do yoga. Whatever makes your heart pump a bit faster. You will feel better and your mood will improve.
6) Change out of your pajamas. Doing your best to stick to routines creates a sense of safety and security for you and your family.
7) Accept sadness from yourself and your partner. While it might seem like the right thing to “think positive thoughts”, research shows that avoiding thinking or talking about sadness can negatively impact physical and mental health. Give each other permission to grieve and be “not okay” at times.
8) Reach out. Find ways to continue to connect with friends and family in socially distant ways. Zoom hangouts, outdoor picnics and walks, or phone calls can increase our sense of connection with others. Seek out help from a professional if needed.