I don’t know about you, but this past week has been very stressful. The stress is originating from actions we all need to take to combat the coronavirus (i.e. constantly washing hands, regularly using sanitizer wipes and sprays, closure of schools, businesses and entertainment centers, etc.)

Then there is social isolation and social distancing, something we’re not used to. As a part-time college professor, learning how to present my lectures on-line and mark papers electronically, rather than receiving hard-copies is challenging.

Along with our worries, the question of ‘Will I have a job?”, “How do I pay my bills?” “Will my benefits be affected?” “How soon will announced Government programs kick into place?” “How do I explain to my kids what’s happening including ‘no play dates’?”

To cope with my stress I’m trying to maintain my exercise program (my gym is closed) by walking at least 30 minutes daily. I’m also practicing deep breathing (taking a deep breath through my nose, holding it for ten seconds and releasing it slowly through my mouth. I repeat the process for five minutes. And my favorite, thinking of a sunny beach in the Caribbean. For the most part, the use of these techniques for me helps reduce my tension and lets stress slip away.

One other stress reliever for me is ‘trying’ to reduce watching the TV news to twice a day – once in the morning and one time in the late afternoon. This one needs more practice!

What are you doing to reduce or eliminate your stress? Your ideas may help others in this ‘weird’ time in our life.

Thanks for your ideas.