Stressful wfh because of Covid19, what to do?

[gleanfont]

The tips in the CDC link are quite excellent! Boris Johnson (UK) dropped the slogan ''hands, face, space'', which is about all we can do right? Abide those simple rules and use common sense like staying indoors more. Especially if you were healthy person before the pandemic there is little reason for a lot of stress increase. We have a lockdown here and the only change I personnally experience is non-essential shops closed down and everyone running around with face masks. Big deal given the situation.

Actively relax more like doing exercise/meditation, go along with situation, have calm faith. And listen to songs that contain words like everything will be allright ; )

You are right, super right. Those simple rules are not hard to follow so why can't other people do it too? Thanks for the suggestion - I like "calm faith" - I guess I need this.

Maybe there’s a positive side?

Since people are less social, there’s less gossiping

Hahaha or is it the other way around - gossiping online

Regarding noise and distractions, do you have a picnic table or a shed you can turn into a 'man cave' to get a little peace and quiet? Mental confusion over a common space used for other things can be a problem for some. In my case, I don't read books, watch television or, use my laptops or tablets in my bedroom, otherwise, my sleep patterns become very problematic and irritability or mild depression or anxiety can start. Sleep hygiene is very important for me to avoid 'sleep stress'.

I agree with you, unfortunately space is one of my concern too. I also agree that "Sleep hygiene is very important for me to avoid 'sleep stress' " - I am irritated if I dont get enough sleep. I am getting stressed with all the distractions especially the noise and non cooperative members of the house

 

[fractus2]

Stop watching t.v.

 

[Spareribs]

^ most people don’t watch TV except for senior citizens

 

[ochildrift]

Now that people are generally staying at home 24x7, realizing their 'significant other' is not really someone they want to spend their life with is harder to ignore. Add reduced or no income to soothe over the rough spots with the relationship and the downward spiral continues. Self-focus also tends to amplify these bad feelings.

That's heartbreaking. When relationships are negatively affected by this pandemic, it worsen the situation. A friend of mine and her partner were unfortunate - they separated 2 months ago because of money problems brought by the pandemic. I thought they can patch things since they have more time to talk but it was the other way around - they keep on fighting on small things until it became bigger that both of them cant handle anymore.

 

[sidpost]

That's heartbreaking. When relationships are negatively affected by this pandemic, it worsen the situation. A friend of mine and her partner were unfortunate - they separated 2 months ago because of money problems brought by the pandemic. I thought they can patch things since they have more time to talk but it was the other way around - they keep on fighting on small things until it became bigger that both of them cant handle anymore.

Yes, so sad. Minor issues that were easily overlooked become focal points because there is no other outlet to blow off steam and reduced incomes amplify otherwise minor differences.

 

[Ryokan]

^ most people don’t watch TV except for senior citizens

So much media is available elsewhere now.

Reading is a good way to lose yourself, or watching a recorded concert, maybe one by Andre Rieu as he makes them great fun.

 

[gleanfont]

That's heartbreaking. When relationships are negatively affected by this pandemic, it worsen the situation. A friend of mine and her partner were unfortunate - they separated 2 months ago because of money problems brought by the pandemic. I thought they can patch things since they have more time to talk but it was the other way around - they keep on fighting on small things until it became bigger that both of them cant handle anymore.

That is so sad to know ;( Instead of getting closer it got worse. So sorry for your friend.

Yes, so sad. Minor issues that were easily overlooked become focal points because there is no other outlet to blow off steam and reduced incomes amplify otherwise minor differences.

I agree. Probably differences magnified because of the lockdown. It is just so sad that money issues affect relationships negatively.

So much media is available elsewhere now.

Reading is a good way to lose yourself, or watching a recorded concert, maybe one by Andre Rieu as he makes them great fun.

Thanks @Ryokan . I'll check on Andre Rieu - thanks for the recommendation. I am a bit feeling better - still worrying about this vaccine thing.

 

[sidpost]

...
I am a bit feeling better - still worrying about this vaccine thing.

I'm glad to hear you are starting to feel better.

Regarding the vaccine, I don't know if you are for or against it. The reality is that it has become very divisive thanks to people who have political and personal agendas and are not really looking at the science behind it. The people I know in medicine like my sister (RN) are strongly in favor of the shot but, the conspiracy theorists are against it. Seatbelts and airbags (airbags have killed some and I have been burned by one) in cars aren't perfect either but, I still wear my seatbelt and want my airbag active as the consequences of needing it and not having it is far worse than any perceived potential seatbelt or airbag injury.

 

[Spareribs]

By now I’ve gotten used to staying away from crowds. My mom knows a few doctors so she may get vaccinated sooner than the average person but who knows? .......l’m just enjoying watching cooking shows on Netflix. Woo hoo!

 

[Spareribs]

 

[gleanfont]

I'm glad to hear you are starting to feel better.

Regarding the vaccine, I don't know if you are for or against it. The reality is that it has become very divisive thanks to people who have political and personal agendas and are not really looking at the science behind it. The people I know in medicine like my sister (RN) are strongly in favor of the shot but, the conspiracy theorists are against it. Seatbelts and airbags (airbags have killed some and I have been burned by one) in cars aren't perfect either but, I still wear my seatbelt and want my airbag active as the consequences of needing it and not having it is far worse than any perceived potential seatbelt or airbag injury.

Thanks for your comment. I understand. To be honest, I am apprehensive about taking the vaccine. I am afraid that there is probability of adverse effects just like the Dengvaxia vaccine. Uhmm, pretty scary.

 

[sidpost]

Yes, vaccines aren't perfect. Neither are seatbelts and airbags. For government agencies with questionable qualifications and ethics, I would be more skeptical myself. With turbulent politics, public graft, and corruption, I would look elsewhere for healthcare advice.

That being said, When you look at North America and Europe, the vaccines in question for COVID are a lot more reliable IMHO. They may not be perfect but, government oversight in those regions is generally extremely good for medical goods.

In my case, just because they do things fundamentally differently in Germany from Dallas, Texas didn't mean my care was better or worse than the domestic USA alternative. In my case, the sickness was life-threatening and, German healthcare while in this terrible state was scary initially. When it was all over I was actually impressed by everything that happened in "their" system and I was glad I was there and not in rural America which is applicable to most people WITHOUT a very expensive health insurance plan.

 

[Spareribs]

If possible I recommend going somewhere on a day trip. Maybe a nice park or attraction about 1 or 2 hours away. Being in different environment can be refreshing.

Also if you live in a major city, I’m sure there’s another side of that city you’ve never visited and it can be a pleasant surprise. It’s actually common to live in a city and you still actually don’t know your city well and have not visited something unique about it.

 

[Hadyree]

Yeah, I have been stressed out lately too, I know what it is... I heard that you can take some CBD to relieve stress. What do you think about it, guys? I would like to try out some products from Area 52, for example. I think they are pretty promissing, have a look there too and good luck

 

[sidpost]

Hopefully, better days are ahead of you. Spring is around the corner for most of us, if it's not here already, and lockdowns in many areas are being lifted.

If job prospects and cost of living are part of the gloomy feelings and stress, it might be time to consider relocating somewhere else where the economy or cost of living allows you more breathing room to enjoy life. Where I live now, my income is about 25% of what it was but, my cost of living is so much lower I'm working for "me", not my landlord and the local taxman. Less stress and time to enjoy the local scenery has done wonders for my QUALITY of life. Oppressive taxes, high cost of living, and urban overcrowding were a challenge for me to overcome.

Now, a walk in the countryside or around a lake or some other scenic area, listening to a babbling brook or waves lapping the lakeshore, and similar things make a big difference to me in my everyday life because I'm not focused on earning enough to pay rent after taxes.

Pets are a long-term commitment and shouldn't be a 'spur of the moment' choice but, unconditional love from a dog or cat are also a great mood lifter, at least for me. The two cats I adopted live around my front porch and there is nothing like a good purr to raise your spirits! When they see me out and about, they run to greet me and are a welcome change to the treatment I received in the 'big city' as well (no more anonymity like when I plodded through life in the big city).

I hope brighter times lie ahead of you and this is just a temporary bump on the road of life and, that whether my suggestions or others help you through these challenging times you find better days ahead.