We are all in this together

3/26/2020 (Permalink)

Photo of dog and cat - we are all in this together

How to manage stress during these unprecedented times

We live in a world where news and information are available with just a few taps on our keyboard.  Often times, that news and information isn’t always good news and lately, with the pandemic of Covid 19, it seems that uplifting stories are few and far between.  So what can we do to manage the stress most of us are feeling during these times of either self-confinement, sickness or possibly job loss or job cutbacks or all of the sudden we are faced with having your kids home and now you have had to add teacher to your job description?

First thing I would highly recommend is becoming educated on the virus, the do’s and don’ts of what to do, however, don’t become obsessed with it.  Limit the time you spend watching tv coverage about the virus. 

You can also take this time to reconnect as a family.  For years we have been glued to our phones and other obligations that seem to have chipped away at the time we spend with our families – and sitting in the same room doesn’t count as spending time together.  Put the phones down – find out what’s going on with your spouse and your kids.  How and what are they thinking about what is going on?  If they are feeling scared or down, this is a perfect time to come up with some ideas that you can all do together and lighten the atmosphere in your home.  Below are a few suggestions to start you out:

• Play games as a family
• Put together that 500 piece puzzle you bought twenty years ago and it’s still in the original wrap
• Make a list of fun self care ideas – i.e. take a long bath, work out to your 1980’s Sweatin’ to the Oldies Richard Simmons tape
• Cook together or have everyone take a night to put their favorite meal together
• Light some candles and read a good book
• Learn how to make your own cleaning supplies
• Put a care package together for an elderly person in your neighborhood and put it outside their door
• Look through old family pictures together
• Do projects around the house that you have wanted to do for some time but haven’t gotten the chance to

Remember – in time, this too shall pass and we can and will make it through this time.   Be vigilant to what you are asked to do – such as practice social distancing, home confinement, proper hand washing techniques, etc.   If we all do what we are suggested to do, this will be a memory sooner rather than later. 

We here at SERVPRO of West Sioux Falls care about our customers and our community and we are wishing you all good mental health!