8 Strategies to Stay Calm during Quarantine

This quarantine has a lot of us going a little stir-crazy from being cooped up at home for months. And without an end in sight for the eradication of the virus, it’s normal to feel at least a little anxious about the things that are out of our control, aside from our own personal issues.

If you are finding it hard to relax and stay calm while social distancing at home, here are some soothing activities that you can try:

1. Take some CBD

If CBD is legal in your state, its usage can be a great way to help you relax. Cannabidiol or CBD products contain compounds from Cannabis sativa, but without the psychoactive cannabinoid called THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) that causes the feeling of being ‘high’.

CBD has many benefits, including but not limited to:

• Pain relief
• Reduction of anxiety and depression
• Alleviation of stress
• Improvement of sleep
• Decrease of cancer-related symptoms

So if you are feeling anxious or restless about being cooped up at home, try using CBD products (oil, tincture, balm, etc.) to calm yourself down.

2. Learn something new

While you’re stuck at home, you have more time to do the things that you couldn’t do when you were busy going to work or school during the day, including learning something new. If you’ve always wanted to play the guitar or learn a different language, now is the best time to start. Apart from being productive, diverting your attention to something that can keep you occupied is one of the best ways to reduce anxiety.

3. Stay connected with loved ones

Being physically apart from loved ones is another hardship that many of us have to endure during the pandemic. But this doesn’t mean you have to be socially isolated from your friends and family. Stay connected with your loved ones by calling, messaging, or holding video conferences regularly.

4. Take walks

If you can, go outside and take a walk, even if just around the block. Apart from helping you feel refreshed from being cooped up inside, walking is a great way to increase your physical activity, which you might be lacking since quarantine started. Just make sure to follow physical distancing guidelines and wear an appropriate face covering to stay safe against the coronavirus.

5. Unleash your creative side

Coloring, painting, photography, and music are just some examples of art forms that you can engage in during quarantine. Letting your creativity flourish is therapeutic in a way that helps reduce stress as well as feelings of anxiety. In addition to that, creating art can help boost your self-esteem and give you a sense of accomplishment, which is especially important when the world around you is at a standstill.

6. Cook or bake

Even if you’re not great in the kitchen, cooking and baking can be a relaxing activity while you’re quarantining at home. Now that you have all the time in the world, cook the recipes that you’ve always been dying to try, or recreate the meals that you’re missing from your favorite restaurants.

7. Have a spa day at home

The spas are probably closed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a relaxing spa day at home. Here’s how to recreate the soothing feeling of being in a spa right in your own abode:

• Clean your bathroom and get rid of as much clutter as you can
• Light scented candles and place them around the bathroom
• Play some relaxing music
• Take a bath with essential oils, salts, and flower petals
• Use a homemade face and hair mask
• Treat yourself to some wine or tea while in the bath
• Moisturize your body after getting out of the bath

8. Unplug

The constant bombardment of stimuli from our screens is a common cause of stress and anxiety. So when you are starting to feel restless because of the things you see on the TV or on your timeline, it might be time to unplug, at least for a few hours. Spend some time without a screen doing other things, perhaps engaging in a hobby or exercising.

This pandemic has been tough for everyone, but there are lots of ways you can make it easier for your physical and mental health. While we have no choice but to follow quarantine guidelines, let us not forget to take care of ourselves and keep our mental health in check.

What do you do to ease your anxiety while stuck at home? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.