Back in 2008 -- a time not that long ago -- people were stressed about the world economic situation. Since then, natural disasters have affected millions of people, while a segment of our population still is having loved ones go to war.
We have endured tough times before. This, too, will pass, but it is time to do your part -- work hard not to get sick (or get others sick), but also do productive things that actually will help you work off the stress of confinement.
If you are military or a veteran, you know what it is like to be deployed where you work long hours when confined to small areas (ships, submarines, forward operating bases and foreign bases). The ingenuity and creative thinking you used on deployment to find ways to work off stress can come in handy when confined at home.
Stress is stress. It does not matter if bullets are flying over your head or if you cannot pay a bill at the end of the month; all stress is hormonally similar and needs to be mitigated daily. By actively pursuing recovery methods, you can metabolize the stress that is upon us all.
Here are some helpful ways to deal with the physical and mental stresses of our current situation:
1. Get on a Schedule
Your ability to make a new normal out of the current situation is critical. Not only will that keep you productive when you work from home, but it will help you keep your sanity. If your commute is from the bed to the couch with the phone and remote in your hand, you are missing things you could be doing.
Take this next month and get better at something. Have you always wanted to learn the piano, guitar or do a pull-up? This is a great time to practice. You will find that the music, thinking and physical activity make for a healthy distraction.
2. Get Productive
Remember when you said “if I had more time, I would do ________?” Well, now is that time. Have you ever wanted to write? Start writing. Do you have household upgrades, spring cleaning and yard work to do? Get to organizing and pulling those weeds.
3. Make New Clean and Healthy Habits
Bring healthful food into the house and get into a regular hand-cleaning habit. Take your vitamins. Wash your hands every time you touch a doorknob or go from outdoors to indoors.
Keep your hands in your pockets and away from your face and other people’s faces and hands. Use antiseptic mouthwash to brush your teeth after meals. Use disinfectant spray on common area sources, handles and armrests.
4. Stop Watching the News
Nonstop coverage of coronavirus and economic downturns will not help you deal with the situation and could lead to more anxiety and depression. Watch a movie or read a book for your leisure time (of course, after a highly productive day).
The last thing you need in your house is nonstop news playing on a television in the background. Make your home a sanctuary because, “You are not stuck at home. You are safe at your home."
5. Time with Family
If you have a job that keeps you away from the family often, take advantage of this time and enjoy the kids and spouse. It’s time to bring out the board games, watch family movies, do homework together, do chores together, eat meals together and just be together. Enjoy.
The goal of this time is to make a goal and work to achieve it. If you are well and avoiding people, take some “me time” and make yourself better. This can be a blessing if you have the right attitude.
Some related posts on recovery and overtraining/overstressing the body:
More on Over-Training / Over-Stressed
Stew Smith is a former Navy SEAL and fitness author certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) with the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Visit his Fitness eBook store if you’re looking to start a workout program to create a healthy lifestyle. Send your fitness questions to stew@stewsmith.com.
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