The pandemic has created plenty of stay-at-home challenges. Before, when you felt lonely or needed to burn some energy, the answers were easy.
Now, the pandemic has turned everything on its head. That means finding more creative solutions to issues, such as depression and anxiety. You might have struggled with these challenges for a long time.
If you need some ideas to beat stay-at-home challenges, consider the tips below.
Identifying Stay-at-Home Challenges
First, it helps to identify the challenges that you might be facing during the pandemic. So make a list. But try not to get overwhelmed or discouraged in the process.
Consider approaching this task as a brainstorming process for yourself. Some challenges that you might face include:
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Maintaining your physical health
- Entertaining yourself
- Feeling productive
Note that these challenges are separate from the more significant problem of merely navigating through the pandemic itself — which is a whole different issue. Instead, these are things that you are facing because you must be at home due to the pandemic.
Feeling Productive During the Pandemic
Your productivity might have changed drastically during the pandemic. Either you became even busier due to having to work and focus on remote learning for the kids. Or, you, unfortunately, lost your position due to rapid downsizing.
Either way, “busy” does not equal “productive.” Productive implies completing something that you feel invested in and find rewarding. These tasks could be related to work.
Conversely, productivity could involve a craft project or hobby. Think about ways you can add a real richness to your life rather than just being busy.
Maintaining Your Physical Health
Next, maintaining your physical health is also essential during these times. Physical fitness is linked to mental health, which is vital knowledge if you are considering depression counseling.
Add exercise and physical activity into your everyday routine to bolster your mental wellbeing. That could mean taking a brisk, socially-distant walk every morning. If you have an old exercise bike or rower gathering dust, now is the perfect time to bring them out of the closet.
Also, consider adding stretching or yoga into your schedule, as well. Whatever you do, make sure to check with your healthcare provider about what’s appropriate for you. Naturally, ask if you can have this appointment remotely.
Entertaining Yourself
In the last few months, you might have binge-watched a lot of TV. It only makes sense, and it’s okay! After all, we are all trying our best to get through this pandemic.
However, you can also mix things up. Create a stay-at-home-challenge for yourself by reading for an hour each evening. Read a book or magazine article, and perhaps stay away from the news.
If you are quarantining with someone, play games or puzzles. You can also do this virtually through online games or streaming a video call.
Depression Counseling
Finally, feeling disconnected from other people can be very troubling during this time. It is undoubtedly a reason why you should consider depression counseling, especially if you are genuinely struggling.
A therapist can still talk to you remotely and is another added link to the outside world. Remember, though, that there are many ways to connect and have healthy relationships with others while still staying physically distant, such as:
- Video streaming calls with friends or family
- Participating in discussion groups online
- Taking part in a challenge or activity with others, such as a remote 5K run
- Text, message, or even call others on the phone
Stay-at-home-challenges might seem daunting at first. However, with some creativity and imagination, they don’t have to be. If you are having trouble with these issues, including experiencing depression symptoms, it’s time to engage in counseling.
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Please reach out to my office today to discuss remote options, or visit my page on depression counseling to learn more.