Tips when Quarantined to Relieve Stress, Keep your Kids Busy and Bond with your Family

Tips when Quarantined to Relieve Stress, Keep your Kids Busy and Bond with your Family

Background

With coronavirus spreading daily and the uncertainty of the future, things can be extremely stressful. Don’t be ashamed if you begin to feel this stress, it’s something we all share. Whether you believe coronavirus to be serious or not, we are all affected by it. Grocery stores are empty, toilet paper shortages, companies closing, events being canceled, maybe even your job is closed, etc. You can’t get online or turn on the TV without hearing about some coronavirus related breaking news.There is a lot going on and it’s all happening fast.

Some people who have children are now having to deal with their child’s school or daycare being closed. Either finding care for them elsewhere, or having to find ways to keep them entertained and productive at home. Then not only dealing with their own personal stress, but the stress and anxiety of their child. 

How to prepare

In the midst of all of this drama there is hope. The key is to prepare and not panic, gathering accurate information can set a mind at ease. Be sure to get your information from “cdc.gov”, and receive live updated information on the coronavirus. Talk to your children about their concerns, and help them in ways they can understand. Ask them about things they’ve heard and correct any misinformation. If there are things you’re unsure of, research it with your child, so you’re both informed, as well as teaching your child useful skills. Reassure them they are safe and that their feelings are completely normal. Also try to limit yours and their exposure to news coverage and social media. There are many false facts being spread and some things that could cause unnecessary fear. 

What should I do to help my children?

Try to implement a schedule that falls along the lines of their school schedule.

• Reading, learning activities, and even fun activities. Don’t mistake quarantine for not being able to go outside. Though it is very important to stay away from public parks, and gyms. And be mindful to stay at least six feet away from others.
• Go for a walk or run in your neighborhood, you could play a game of backyard soccer or throw and catch.
• If weather is not permitting you could do some indoor exercises, yoga, board games, or even a family movie night.

These things will drastically decrease your child’s anxiety levels and increase their level of growth and creativity.

How do I relieve stress and anxiety

Finding ways to exercise would be one of the most important ways to combat stress.

• The physical activity increases the production of endorphins, which makes your brain happy.
• Supplements – omega-3 fatty acids, ashwagandha, green tea, and lemon balms are all commonly used to reduce stress and anxiety.
• Another simple way is lighting candles in your home.
• Being stuck in the house could be much more pleasant with lavender, rose, sandalwood, or even orange blossom aromas. This is known as aromatherapy, a therapy practice known to decrease anxiety and improve sleep.
• You could also reduce your caffeine, journal your feelings, listen to soothing music, and even deep breathing practices.
• Something great for the family would be to enjoy a stand up comedy special together like Jim Gaffigan. So not only are you spending time together, but also laughing and relieving your stress response and relieving tension by relaxing your muscles.

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For more help please reach out to a therapist that does tele-therapy so you do not have to leave your home and stay safe from the coronavirus!  Total Life Counseling has counselors that can help with stress tips, meditation, mindfulness and more to help you through this tough time!  Give us a call 407-248-0030 for a complimentary 15 minute call.  Hang in there and stay safe!

Edited by TLC Intern Christopher Williams

Jim West

Adolescent Expert, Jim West offers expert advice to Local and National TV News & Schools Internationally and provides phone or face-to-face counseling in the Orlando area. Jim is an Author, Communicator, School Consultant, Nationally Certified and State Licensed Counselor and specializes in counseling for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADD/ADHD) and Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD). Jim has been interviewed for multiple TV, Radio, magazine and newspaper articles. He is president of Total Life Counseling Center and his Total Life approach accelerates the therapeutic & healing process by relating to children, adolescents and adults and incorporating wellness. Jim’s clients travel from all over Florida, England, Georgia, Cayman Islands and the Bahamas as he has been able to treat clients with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Depression and more with FDA approved supplements and Dietary Modifications. 85% of his clients have not needed medication or used less medication than when they first came to Total Life Counseling Center.

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