These are stressful times, full of anxiety for everyone and loneliness for many. Do you find yourself looking like the photo above these days? We get it. Maybe your daily route is bed to couch, couch to kitchen, kitchen to couch, couch to kitchen, kitchen to bed. It can be hard to get out of this rut.

Stress during an infectious disease outbreak can include worry about your own health and the health of your loved ones; changes in sleep or eating patterns, trouble concentrating; and increased use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
 
But no one is in this coronavirus challenge alone. We are here to help keep you moving your body and maintaining a positive outlook. Here are 10 simple steps you can take each day to manage stress, anxiety and a sense of isolation caused by the coronavirus outbreak. 

1. Exercise. We’ve told you before and we’re going to tell you again – because it can’t be said often enough. You simply must move your body regularly during this challenge, even if you are restricted from going to the gym or studio.  There are all sorts of resources out there. Call up a friend or family member and commit to be a workout buddy. Pick a time and a video and have a virtual sweat together!

2. Eat right, drink plenty of water, and get good sleep every night. The basics of health really matter at a time like this. 

3. Express your worries and emotions. Tell family, friends, doctors and caregivers what’s on your mind. Keep up your creative outlets, like painting and music.

4. Relax, meditate, pray, and practice an attitude of gratitude. Despite all the uncertainty, you have many blessings in your life. Focus on them. Make a list.

5. Call your family and friends. Send text messages to check in. Play games on your phone like Word With Friends. Use FaceTime and other video call technology to see your kids and grandkids, even if you can’t be with them. 

6. Read a book. Read several. When you’re stuck in one place and in your own thoughts, nothing takes you away like a good book. Reach out to friends and family to create a virtual book club!

7. Limit your exposure to TV news and social media. We should all stay informed. But with the relentless 24/7 news cycle, it’s not necessary to keep it on all the time. Don’t dwell in it.

8. Maintain your personal hygiene and a clean home, as tempting as it might be to lounge around in PJs all day and let the laundry pile up.

9. Pick a classic movie night to share with family and friends, and discuss it over the phone and via texting. 

10. Indulge in a daydream about something fun you’ll do when all this is over – a vacation, or just dinner at your favorite restaurant.

We are offering virtual training options to our members and encourage each of you to use your resources to take care of yourself during this time! From simple ways like going out to take a walk or having a solo dance party, to following workout videos and setting up accountability with a friend, now is the time to think outside the box and seek connection! We’re here to help you get through this.