The world is a much different place compared to just a couple of months ago. We've embraced online video call meetings, social distancing, and quarantining. A prolonged sense of caution and stress can take its toll on anyone. If this is the new "normal" then how can we still have some "normalcy"? Here are some tips to maintain a sense of calm and reduce stress during our new "normal".

Prioritize self-care. Just like when you are on an airplane, and instructed to put on your oxygen mask first before helping another person, prioritize taking care of yourself during this time as well. It may be hard because of all the responsibilities and roles you have now (boss, employee, cook, janitor, camp counselor, teacher, etc), but don't feel guilty that you take some time out for yourself every day. Even 5-10 minutes of deep breathing and meditation can help you reduce stress. Make it something that you enjoy doing and that makes you happy.

Take up a hobby. Because the lines between work and home life can blur, take some time to rewire your brain and do something different. It can be something new or old. It can be gardening, cooking, baking, a new sport, or crafting. Making something and watching it develop and grow can give you joy and enable you to focus on the positive rather than the negative. Which can lead us to the next tip:

Learn new things. Try something new. Take an online course, watch a video series, podcast, or a book. The benefit is in the process of learning and feeding your brain new ideas and processes that can help you stay sane when days can become monotonous and repetitive.

Foster relationships. Reconnect with friends. This may be the hardest or easiest tip to do depending on how you look at it. Being under quarantine and socially distant can make our relationships wither, but humans are social animals and it is important to maintain contact with people outside of our quarantine circle. Using social media and the internet can help you reconnect with old friends. There are many ways to connect using apps that are designed to keep up together and communicating despite not being able to see each other in person.

Plan for the future. No matter what the rest of the year will look like, try and plan for it. Think about scheduling a vacation or weekend getaway to get some time to unwind. So imagine where you would go, visualize, and it will happen. This, too, shall pass. The world will open again and we will be able to travel and enjoy each other’s company in person.

These are challenging times. But never forget that we’re in this together and we will make it through together. Even so, it might be more challenging for some more than others. Don’t be ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Consider contacting an online therapy service if you’re dealing with feelings of hopelessness, depression, or disinterest in life. Or you can contact PAR5PT with any questions. Stay safe, my friends!