Stress on Women During Isolation and Social Distancing

The outbreak of coronavirus has affected people around the world. As the days of self-isolation and social distancing have turned into months, many people became overwhelmed by uncertainty, stress, anxiety, boredom, and many more emotions.

Being a working mom, a spouse, and a daughter may generally be challenging. However, this peculiar time has made our lives a lot more demanding. Quarantine, remote working, school closures, lack of social activities – it is a lot to take in for anyone. 

The worst thing about this whole new situation is uncertainty.

But for many women, the uncertainty goes hand in hand with responsibility: you feel as though you have to be supportive of your children, family, friends, and colleagues.  A combination of uncertainty and responsibility can cause you to feel anxious and stressed. It can knock your confidence and self-esteem off-balance or aggravate any mental health issues you are already experiencing. 

While it is natural to feel anxious, stressed, and afraid in a crisis like this one, excessive worry and fear can destabilize your constructive responses to stress, damage your health, and impair quality of life in general. 

Here are some tips on managing stress and boosting your resilience during these odd times. 

Make Your Health a Priority

Good health is essential for the feelings of happiness and fulfilment. During increasingly stressful times, self-care should become your priority. Science has proven that well-rested individuals have a stronger immune system and are better equipped for defeating viruses. 

Studies also show that a healthy and nutritious diet, regular exercise, and relaxation practice can protect you against symptoms of stress and anxiety and help promote feelings of happiness and wellbeing.  

Ask Your Significant Other for Support

Many women have worked from home for the past few months, putting together their work, kids' school lessons, and home chores. 

While you may feel competent and capable of juggling different tasks, multitasking can take its toll sooner or later. The mindset that you do not need help can only pile up stress and trigger the feelings of dissatisfaction, anxiety, fatigue, and unhappiness.

No one should manage these challenges alone. Ask your spouse to give you a hand and share responsibilities when it comes to housework and kids. Have the significant other help you designate different areas of home as ''work and/or study'' and ''relax'' spaces to help ease stress and tension while working remotely. Encourage your family members to respect this. 

Also, creating time apart from other family members is an essential part of self-care. Ask your spouse for childcare support during "me time," so you can have a break from day-to-day tasks. 

Turn to your partner for emotional support. While it may be challenging to find time for one another with the kids around, try to nurture your relationship and devote time to your partner. Turn toward each other's emotional bids for connection. These regular positive interactions add value to your ''emotional bank account'', which reminds you of positive feelings you and your partner share. When you feel stressed or anxious, your emotional savings radically reduce the probability that these stresses will affect your wellbeing. 

Your partner's emotional support can help strengthen your relationship, boost your intimacy, and hep you constructively resolve conflicts.

Declutter Your Home and Work Space

Psychologists say that clutter in your home or office can create "mind clutter" and affect your happiness. Take advantage of self-isolation and do some decluttering. Eliminating unnecessary things from your home will help declutter negative thoughts from your mind, improving your ability to focus and think more clearly, increasing your mood, and boosting your productivity.   

Connect with Nature

As the states are relaxing quarantine measures to some extent, many of us are allowed to go outside and enjoy nature. Research shows that spending time in nature has revitalizing effects because it can help you relax and let go of negative emotions and thoughts. 

Even if you work long hours, spend your breaks outside when you get a chance. It is all right to go outside during the coronavirus pandemic as long as you follow social distancing rules and avoid crowded areas. 

Seek Mental Health Support

If you feel that your coping mechanisms are not strong enough to manage stress and anxiety on your own, reach out for help. Mental health counseling for women can be a safe place to address the issues you face, from low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression to relationship challenges and job burnout.

To find out more about our counseling for women services, click here

We will be delighted to hear your thoughts and help you overcome your challenges. Keep in mind that we're in this together.