27 Mar 13 Ways to Relieve Anxiety During Quarantine
13 Ways to Relieve Anxiety During Quarantine
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no cost to you, may earn me a small commission. I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. Read my full disclosure policy.
While more and more people are isolated at home due to COVID-19 quarantine guidelines, I put together a few ideas to get your mind off the fear, anxiety, and stress of this weird time in our history.
The worldwide outbreak of coronavirus or COVID-19 has and will continue to impact us all. Drew and I feel very lucky that, since we work from home, our lives have not changed very much even with a coronavirus quarantine. But our hearts break for people around the world. We’ve seen the devastating impacts that this disease has on lives and on economies, and we’re left wondering what will be next for Las Vegas, our home. For many of our friends and neighbors, this period of self-isolation isn’t a glorified staycation, it’s simply unemployment.
Please share what you’re doing to recharge and relieve anxiety during your quarantine in the comments section below!
Beat Quarantine Anxiety
With These 13 Ideas
1. Have a ‘Netflix Party’
One of our favorite things to do every week is getting together with our neighbors to watch The Bachelor (and every crazy spinoff) on Monday nights. There’s just something about being together that makes it so much more fun and entertaining! Now because of coronavirus quarantines our get together aren’t happening. But that doesn’t mean we can’t still watch shows together!
Have you heard of this free, downloadable extension offered for Google Chrome called Netflix Party? I’d never heard of it until this coronavirus mess started but now I love it! Netflix Party allows your friends and family to synchronize their Netflix play screen with yours. It even adds a group chat feature so you can binge and get that human connection that you’ve been craving…even if it’s not in person.
What are some of your favorite shows on Netflix right now? Let me know in the comment section below!
2. Practice Self Care
With stress and anxiety running high because of quarantine measures, now is the perfect time to show yourself a little extra TLC. I’m talking the whole shebang! Take a moment to breathe in long and slow, light a candle, and…
>> You know all those face masks (good lord, not those hard to come by N-95 face masks!) you’ve been hoarding in a drawer somewhere in your bathroom drawers? It’s time to break those puppies out!
>> Since all the nail salons are closed around — well I imagine most of the world — I am stuck doing my nails myself. And frankly, I have no talent for this sort of thing. Left to my own devices, my nails look a little unsightly. But, I recently got lured into getting ManiMe gel nail stickers after I saw an ad on Instagram (they’re toxin and cruelty-free!). Because my hands and nails are so small, I love that they’re custom cut for my individual nail shape. And they have a lot of way-cooler-than-I-am designs to try; I got “Red-Y or Not” and “Funky French.” (And, friends, this is #NotAnAd. I always give my honest opinion, but I want you to know that I have not been paid in any way for this review.)
3. Start a Practice of Meditation & Mindfulness
Practicing mindfulness and meditation helps me pay more attention to things in the present, not fret too much about things I can’t change in the past, and improves my overall mental well-being. If you’re looking to start your own journey into mindfulness and meditation, here are some tips to get you started:
>> Sit quietly for two minutes each morning. Don’t get caught up in the best way to do it, what you should think about, or where you should sit. Just do what feels right for your space and your body.
>> Ask yourself how you’re feeling. How does your body feel? Are you busy, anxious, or tired?
>> Count your breaths. Counting “one” as you take in the first breath, then “two” as you breathe out. Repeat this to the count of 10, then start again at one. Come back to counting when you wander.
>> If you’re interested in further meditation tips, download Calm on Apple and Google. It features guided meditations, soothing music, and bedtime stories that will help you reduce stress and anxiety. When I was going through everything with my mom last year, I found Calm so helpful in reducing my stress levels — which were off.the.charts. Headspace is also a good app worth mentioning for guided meditation (Google | Apple).
4. Start a Journal
“Keep a notebook. Travel with it, eat with it, sleep with it. Slap into it every stray thought that flutters up into your brain.” – Jack London
Even if you’ve started one before and it hasn’t become a habit, give journaling a try again. Studies have shown that writing down your thoughts, anxieties, fears, and celebrations has a way of quieting your mind, ultimately bringing you peace.
We recently got back home from Japan and I was having the worst time sleeping. Apart from jet lag, there was just something off. It took me longer to fall asleep and I’d wake up all night tossing and turning. I realized that it was this general fear of the unknown and lack of control from the coronavirus quarantine that was making me anxious and lose sleep. Once I started to put my anxieties to paper (and I added in about 10 mg of melatonin before bedtime) I’ve slept much better .
And, you know, it doesn’t have to be perfect; you’re not writing your journal for anyone else but yourself. You don’t even have to write in it every day.
Ryan Holiday says in his book Stillness is the Key that journaling can: “Silence the barking dogs in your head. Help you prepare for the day ahead. Reflect on the day that has passed. Take note of the insights you’ve heard.”
When you start writing, ask yourself tough questions like: Why am I so worked up about this? What is the harder choice I’m avoiding? Do I rule my fears, or do they rule me? If you’re looking for some help getting started, try this daily journal with prompts.
5. Purge
Now is the perfect time to get your closet (and the rest of your house or apartment) in good shape. Create small goals and work towards them each day; it’s good for your psyche and can help quell anxieties. Give Maria Kondo’s method a shot; try on all your clothes and see if they “spark joy.”
>> Get clothes ready to donate, organize your pantry, clear out your cupboards of unwanted dishes, and finally throw out those old magazines you’ve been holding on to (or is that just me?).
>> Get rid of unnecessary paper and create a better filing system.
While you’re purging, download an audiobook, tune into a podcast, or make a rockin’ playlist.
Podcast Recommendations:
- The Drop Out about the rise and fall of Theranos’ Elizabeth Holmes Apple | Spotify | Google
- My Dad Wrote A Porno which is exactly what it sounds like. It has me laughing out loud in public regularly. Apple | Spotify | Google
- Hidden Brain by NPR talks about the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape choices, and direct relationships. Apple | Spotify | Google
- Freakonomics Radio Apple | Google
- Fresh Air by NPR Apple | Spotify | Google
- Ryan Holiday’s The Daily Stoic Apple | Spotify | Google
6. Video Chat With Friends & Family
Texting and talking to your friends and family is great, but I don’t think I’m alone when I say that it feels like something’s missing. Get up a group of your friends and “go out” for a drink (bonus — you don’t have to get dolled up if you don’t want to!).
My dad and I live 2,000 miles away from each other which means that, even without the coronavirus quarantine, we don’t see each other a lot. Sadly, Drew and I had to cancel our trip to see him this week but we have loved connecting with him through Facebook video chats. He really gets a kick out of filters that change your face and voice!
7. Do Some (Future) Travel Planning
Airline prices are low, low, low! In addition, there’s little to no fear of losing money if things still aren’t good; airlines are being really lenient about waiving cancellation fees (check your airline to make sure). Drew and I just booked a trip in January/February for Peru for only $240pp from Las Vegas!
Here’s something exciting: If you wanted to visit the tulip gardens in Holland this year, you’re in luck. While they aren’t actually opening to the public, they will be open virtually. Check this link for access to the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens.
8. Support Your Local Small Businesses
Remember that for most small-business owners and their employees quarantines and shutdowns is devastating. Help support them, even if you can’t go into their stores, by purchasing gift cards that you can use at a later date.
Also, check your favorite local cafes and restaurants. Even if they don’t regularly offer takeout or delivery, many are offering full or shortened menus to keep business up during these stressful times.
9. Get Outside
Tell your quarantine anxiety to “take a hike!” Research has shown that vitamin D (what you get from the sun) might play an important role in regulating mood and warding off depression. And there’s nothing better than the real stuff that only Mother Nature can provide. So get outside and explore your backyard or a local park. Garden. Walk. Run. Hike. Whatever. Just do it safely, and keep social distancing rules in mind.
10. Catch Up On Your Reading List
Do you have books waiting on your shelf for you to read? Me, too. (But I also got some new books to get me through the quarantine!). If you’re looking for some recommendations on books to read, head over to check out some of the books on my recommended reading list.
I’m always on the hunt for new books to read, and I like both fiction and non-fiction. Do you have anything that I should add to my reading list? Let me know in the comments below!
Have you tried Kindle Unlimited? You get access to over 1 million ebooks and unlimited listening to thousands of audiobooks. It’s the perfect gift for book lovers all year — but especially these days!
Here are some books I ordered for quarantine:
11. Channel Your Inner Chef
Drew and I love treating ourselves to date nights each week by dining out at local restaurants. Even though that’s not an option these days, we’re still trying to make mealtime special. Turn off the TV, sit at an actual table — not a coffee table — put away your phones, and concentrate on each other.
Other Ideas:
>> Challenge yourself to only use the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator. Or tackle a recipe that you’ve always wanted to try but just didn’t have the time for. I’ve always wanted to try my hand at baking bread, but just never had the time to devote to all the steps. Well, guess what, friends?! I got nothing but time now!
> We love to watch Chopped and say confidently “Oh that’s easy! I’d (insert random culinary jargon that neither of us knows the meaning to…).” It’s time to call that bluff, am I right? If you’re quarantined with a roommate or partner, host your own version of Chopped. Make each other mystery baskets and see if either of you can make something delicious. The only rule is, you have to eat whatever you make. Waste not, want not.
I think you’ll notice that by the end of the evening, you’ll have a full belly and your quarantine anxiety will be at minimum.
12. Go to a Museum — Virtually!
The coronavirus and resulting quarantines have caused many of the world’s museums to temporarily shut their doors. However, more than 2,500 spaces from around the world are accessible online — many of which offer virtual tours. This is especially good for mamas-turned-teachers who are looking for a way to keep their kids engaged while schools are closed.
Here are some fantastic museums to check out:
- MoMA, New York City
- British Museum, London
- What’s Good? Tour the Great Court, discover the Rosetta Stone, and check out the Egyptian mummies.
- Musée d’Orsay, Paris
- What’s Good? Famous artwork from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.
- J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles
- What’s Good? European artwork from as far back as the 8th Century.
- National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
- What’s Good? American fashion from 1740 to 1895 and work from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City
- 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage.
- Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
- What’s Good? The world’s largest collection of artwork by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.
- Detroit Institute of Arts — Detroit is also home to The Henry Ford Museum which has some collections online. You can access those here. And don’t miss my recent post about The Henry Ford and other fun things to do in Detroit.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
- Tate Britain, London
13. Tackle a Puzzle
Drew and I love puzzles! It’s actually one of my favorite things to do when my mother-in-law comes to town because we can do something together, drink some wine, and still have good conversations.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you book or purchase through these links.
Resources to help your Travels
As always, everything on this site is completely free. If you found this post (or anything on YouFoundSarah) useful, I’d be grateful if you considered using the affiliate links below. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. These are the services Drew and I love to use ourselves when we plan our travel. Thanks for your support! — Sarah
Booking.com – For booking hotel rooms.
Tours by Locals and GetYourGuide.com – For finding high-quality tours around the world.
VRBO – For renting homes across the world.
Save this to Pinterest
Where Are You Traveling Next?
Meet Sarah
Hi there!
Welcome to the musings of a mostly overcaffeinated traveler and dog mom. I’m Sarah. My husband and I live mostly in Las Vegas but also in Montana.
We love traveling to undertouristed, off-the-beaten-path locations around the world and we share our real travel stories here.
There's Even More on Facebook!
Have You Seen These Posts?
No Comments