New York City has been hit harder by the coronavirus than any other city in the United States. Aside from the stress of the pandemic itself, people also have to deal with being quarantined. Now, mothers have to be full-time parents, homeschool teachers, and their family’s first line of defense against the coronavirus.
Certainly, you love your family, but that doesn’t mean being cooped up in the house with them for months is an ideal situation. Being stuck inside in “The City That Never Sleeps” and taking on new roles is a trying circumstance. Continue reading learn some methods that will help you deal with quarantine-related stress.
Cabin fever is a real thing.
You’ve probably heard people talk about having cabin fever due to being relegated to the house over a rainy weekend. However, cabin fever is much more than just the boredom you feel when you’re unable to get away for a couple of days.
If you’re nostalgic for the days when you could take the kids out for a movie and ice cream or have a night out, you’re not alone. Many people are struggling with the sentiment of being isolated or separated from the outside world.
The best thing you can do to cope with cabin fever is to acknowledge it and find productive ways to occupy all of this newfound “free time.” There’s no telling when New York will get back to normal, but you can come up with ways to make the best of being quarantined with your family members.
Find activities that you all love and have some fun together. It’s more important now than ever before that your kids know that you enjoy their company.
Talk to a therapist.
It is crucial that you pay close attention to your mental health during this difficult time. Many people are struggling with feelings of being unproductive and even resentment toward their family members. The important thing to remember is that these emotions are natural given the current circumstances.
You may also be dealing with the fear of infection, financial hardship due to being out of work and having a shortage of supplies to get through the quarantine. According to Psychology Today, these problems can further contribute to depression and anxiety disorders. The important thing to remember is that these emotions are natural given the current circumstances.
While your fears may arise from real and present dangers, solutions are hard to come by when stress engulfs you. Talking with the right person can help you to process your anxieties and work through them rather than allowing them to work you.
If you find your self succumbing to unmanageable mental anguish or pain, seek out a therapist in NYC who offers teletherapy. Even though many doctors have had to shut down due to quarantine, many therapists are offering sessions online. You may be surprised how much talking to the right person about your problems helps to alleviate the pressure you feel.
Exercise!
Even though you may not be able to go to a gym at the moment, you can still do light exercises around the house. Being quarantined makes it easy to eat out of boredom, but exercising will give you back a sense of control over your life.
The quarantine may end just in time for the summer, and you want to look and feel your best when that time comes. If you’re no longer able to fit into your petite clothing when “outside reopens,” then you could find yourself dealing with body-image problems.
Exercising will boost your mood and self-confidence, keep you in shape, and satisfy your desire for accomplishment. You can even make it something that you and your family do together.
Be nice to yourself.
The most important thing to remember about being quarantined is to not be too hard on yourself. Many of the problems you’re facing right now are beyond your control, so their existence is not evidence of failure on your part. Don’t punish yourself for things that are out of your hands — treat yourself!
Feelings of guilt or impotence can lead to you resenting yourself and your family members. Be kind to yourself and allow time for self-care. Treat yourself as much as possible so that you’ll have the energy it takes to be compassionate towards your family members.
You don’t have to be superwoman, and it’s okay to not be okay during this unprecedented shutdown. However, if you feel like your emotions are getting the better of you on a daily basis, then you should speak with a therapist concerning your mental health. Also, don’t forget to eat right, sleep well, exercise, and be kind to yourself.
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