What you know about the coronavirus pandemic – and what remains unknown (how long will it last?) – probably has you feeling anxious. Whether you are quarantining due to a suspected exposure, for a travel advisory or at home to help prevent the spread of infection, you may find yourself unprepared for the feelings of isolation that may come up.
There are many creative ways to deal with anxiety and feelings of isolation. We put together a list of fun things to do at home that can add variety to your everyday routine.
- Try Out A Fun Recipe
And then enjoy the meal! Cooking can be an emotionally fulfilling activity with therapeutic benefits.
- Practice Meditation
Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Make it part of your daily routine and take a few minutes to close your eyes and breathe in and out.
- Read a Good Book or Listen to a Podcast
Take your mind off things by losing yourself in a good book or an interesting podcast. Consider joining an online book club or give yourself a challenge by choosing a list of books you’ve always wanted to read.
- Exercise
Try out at-home aerobics or yoga videos. Consider downloading a fitness app with curated workout playlists.
- Journal
Writing your thoughts down on paper can help process and release your feelings. Write about your worries as well as the things you are grateful for at the moment.
- Hobbies
Taking up a hobby is a great way to learn a new skill and relieve the stress that you may be feeling from isolation. Learning a new language or instrument can enhance verbal memory and literacy skills. Jewelry making or compiling a photo album can create gifts and lasting memories for yourself and others.
- Host a Virtual Hangout
Communicating with others is essential for combatting loneliness and you can connect with friends and family by organizing online groups, chats, meetings or video calls over platforms like Google Chat or Zoom.
- Travel the World (from Home!)
Museums all over the globe offer digital access to their collections including the Louvre and Guggenheim. You can tour the Great Barrier Reef with David Attenborough or take a hike on the Great Wall of China. You can even livestream the Northern Lights!
Auden Albany
Albany, New York
(518) 936-1450
Auden Buffalo
Buffalo, New York
(716) 222-0485
Auden Upstate
Spartanburg, South Carolina
(844) 203-6438
Auden Ithaca
Ithaca, New York
(607) 308-3019
Auden Houston
Houston, Texas
(866) 623-0920
