Neutralizing the Stress at Home (Social Distancing & COVID-19)

As COVID-19 precautions and management continue, there is a lot of adjusting happening for just about everyone I can think of. Parenting is taking on a whole new life with kids staying home from school, but still having to go online for their education, and parents working from home. While it might feel like nothing is in your control I am here to remind you there are still a lot of things we have control over. 

Here are 5 tips to help you survive the “staying home” part of this whole experience. 

1. Cut yourself some slack.
   Last I checked we are ALL in this together. No one knows exactly what the right thing to do is right now. If ever there was a time to be creative with your parenting it is now! Things are changing daily and we need to do our best to try and be flexible where possible in order to reduce stress and anxiety in each of us. 
   
   
2. Try and create a structure or routine for your family.
   Putting together a structure will help keep everyone sane. Keep it simple. There are lots of resources online with sample schedules floating around. Check out places like Facebook groups, Pinterest and Instagram for ideas. The younger your kiddo the more structure they will need, but for your teens something simpler will go a long way. Make sure you schedule breaks for your kiddos and for yourself throughout the day too!
   
   
3. Take time to spend together as a family.
   While we are all pretty focused on the ways in which COVID-19 is disrupting outlives, it is also creating this valuable opportunity of providing us with more TIME with our kiddos. I think we can all agree as parents that time is one of those things we feel we can never have enough of. Create some special quality moments with your family, including your teens. Try to play a game, watch a new movie (lots of the big movie companies are releasing movies online early because of what’s going on right now), make art together, listen to music, have a dance party (less than 10 people of course), read books, make a meal or plan the menu for the week, etc. 
   
   
4. Self-care is crucial.
   I understand that things are stressful, anxiety provoking, and you might feel like you have your hands full with all the changes, but it is exactly because of all this that you need to make sure you are taking time to recharge/refuel/refill your cup. 30-60 minutes each day of practicing self-care can help you feel more grounded, connected, and relaxed which makes you a better parent, spouse/partner, and all around good person. Try taking a long bath/shower, journal, make art (color a mandala), listen to music, read, write poetry, exercise, meditate, enjoy some aromatherapy, do yoga, etc. 
   
   
5. Communicate with your family about updates.
   Remember to keep it simple, age appropriate, and be honest. Getting information from credible sources can help prepare you for the types of questions your kids or teens might ask. Make sure you share ways to help them relax and cope with any anxiety they might be experiencing. Validate their feelings and experiences. Social Distancing at this time feels like the end of the world for teens who are so engaged with their social lives at this point in their development. Feelings of frustration are bound to be felt on both sides (teens wanting to hang out with their friends and parents wanting to keep others safe). Acknowledging these feelings and finding creative ways to "meet in the middle" help everyone feel heard. Let them know they can also ask to speak to mental health professionals if talking to you and their friends just doesn't feel like enough. Lots of therapists, myself included are providing Telehealth sessions to help provide some relief during this stressful time. For more information about these kinds of services I provide please call 469-294-2600 or email JDMacias@CounselingCreativelyPLLC.com 

I hope these tips help you and your loved ones find a little more peace during these unique times!