Self Care When You're Stuck Indoors
It’s that time of year again. It’s dark, it’s rainy, and we’re still in a pandemic. School is more stressful than ever and there are fewer opportunities for recreation than usual. Here are some ways to keep away the stress without leaving home.
Go for a walk. If the weather is clear, bundle up and go for a short walk. Even 5 minutes outside can help you get some much-needed sunlight. If it’s too cold or rainy for a walk outside, go for a walk inside. Go up and down a flight of stairs a couple times. Walk around the room once or twice. A little movement can help refresh your brain and body, especially when you’ve been sitting on Zoom all day.
Stretch. When I was a sophomore at Brown, I lived in a dorm room affectionately called “Matchbox”. While there’s not much room for a walk in 90 square feet, I had enough floor space to do a decent yoga routine. Look for free stretching and yoga resources online, such as Yoga With Adrienne’s Yoga for Neck and Shoulder Relief or Computer and Desk Stretches.
Eat well. When you’re tired or stressed out, it’s easy to reach for a piece of candy or chocolate bar, but snacks high in sugar could cause you to crash a little while later. Look for easy snacks that include some protein too, like apple slices with peanut butter or a handful of nuts.
Get dressed. Even if you’re not going anyway, you might feel better if you take a shower and get dressed as if you were going to school normally. Sticking to a routine, even if you’re not going anywhere, is a good way to get your brain into learning mode.
Plan fun activities. A full day of school, whether it’s in person on virtual, can be exhausting. Plan your fun just like you (should be) plan(ning) your homework. Pick a new show on Netflix to watch one evening. Plan some video game time after you finish your homework. Pick up a good book during your 10-minute breaks between classes.
What are your favorite was to relax and recharge when you’re stuck at home? Comment below or email robinsatty@stemsmartconsulting.com.