Feeling bored because of COVID 19? You are not alone. Social distancing has turned life upside down for everyone. What do you do when you are not going to work and are not going out with friends? Do you stay at home and watch TV all day? It gets boring rather quickly. ACT Family Counseling recommends that you find a way to stay engaged and connected with others.
Free time, boredom, and stress can be explosive
The pandemic has laid waste to most of 2020. Education, career, finances, everything is a mess. Consider that. And consider that you have free time that you don’t know what to do with it. Options are limited, and so many people invest that into worrying, ruminating, and watering the seeds of stress and substance abuse.
A combination of boredom, free time, and stress are dangerous. It can increase the risk of depression and addiction or worsen OCD, PTSD, and other mental health issues. Especially now that we are far apart from family and friends, one can easily reach the point of no return.
Go for a walk in the park or near the ocean
With the continuous lack of personal human touch, you can suddenly feel invisible. Then you drown in negative mental chatter that breeds anxiety and stress. A change of scenery could be good for you. Don’t stay in bed till midday. Go for a walk for sunshine or exercise. This helps you pass the time in an exciting and healthy way.
Go on virtual dates
Staying connected with friends and relatives online can be difficult and different. But it is better than nothing at all. Talk to friends and family via video chat or text. Use this opportunity to share your troubles or smile and forget that you are bored and quarantined. You can even collaborate on hobbies virtually, for instance, playing musical instruments, painting, or cooking.
Reach out to a professional
Are you bored during COVID 19? This article oversimplifies things. Boredom can be extremely hard to deal with, especially if surrounded by loneliness, worry, and mental health issues. Talk to a counselor.
At ACT Family Counseling, we deliver counseling and psychotherapies from six convenient locations. Dial any of our number and let us you guide you back to happiness and fulfillment.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
When the world was ordered to work from home, many people were pleased about not having to drive to work. But reality dawned. Now, many parents wish that they could leave the house and go to work like the good old days. Remote working with kids around can be a major nightmare. As a work-from-home mom or dad, you take on multiple roles: your day job, parenting, teaching, and with restaurants closed, more cooking. Phew! That can be too much to handle. Here are a few ideas that might help.
Keep the children busy with lots of homework
Many children are still learning from home at this point during the pandemic. When it comes to home-schooling or remote schooling, you are either the teacher or the coordinator, so you must wear a different hat. Homework comes first before play. Set this boundary and help your child understand that you also need time to do your homework.
Don’t keep working after 5
When it’s time for family time, turn off your computer and give your kids and partner the attention they deserve. This is not just good for them; it will help you to unwind too. And given the infectious anxiety and worry that characterizes this period, talking to your family—venting—is critical for emotional wellbeing.
Designate a workplace and work time
When it’s time for work, get into the home office and lock the door behind you. Remove distractions so that you can work efficiently. Otherwise, failure to meet work deadlines and KPIs at this time can be a major contributor to stress and mental health problems.
Have time for yourself
Before the pandemic struck, you probably would pass by the gym or see a friend after work. You had an evening hobby and a favorite TV show. These things are important when it comes to mental health and overall wellbeing. Find ways to keep doing that by working out at home, going for a stroll, or talking to your friends online.
Get help with household chores
Encourage everyone to participate in household chores, including the children. Teach them to make their bed, pick up their dirty clothes, and straighten their room. Having one less thing on your to-do list can give you peace of mind.
Call for help when you need it
Sometimes we are strong enough, and we cope, but other times, we crash under it all. Such as when a child has ADHD or you are struggling with anxiety, bipolarity, or PTSD. We are here to help.
ACT Family Counseling provides counseling and psychotherapy services with six convenient locations. Connect with us and let us help you find the strength to live another day.
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
Dealing with the current chaotic environment is no easy task. Staying COVID safe when your friends are not can be challenging for everyone involved. With mixed messaging tossed about from every avenue imaginable, it can be difficult for many social butterflies to comprehend the need to stay on guard. How can you enjoy time spent with a dear friend and communicate your need for maintaining healthy social distances? Maybe you have someone at home who is particularly at risk; maybe you are. Just know, that you have socially distanced friends within reach who can help you stay COVID safe when your friends are not.
Counseling through the COVID Crisis
ACT Family Counseling offers you the perspective and prep you need to tackle tough topics. COVID shouldn’t be the reason to cancel pleasure in your life. You can enjoy the company of others in responsible, loving ways without the drama! But how? First, let’s chat about “communicating” clearly. Here are some tips for when you are trying to share your heart about staying COVID safe when your friends are not:
- Make open-ended inquiries
- Check non-verbal cues
- Set aside your “reading-mind” goggles
- Steer clear of blame games
Good communication creates lasting friendships. Need more guidance? ACT Family Counseling is ready to help!
Staying COVID Safe When Your Friends Are Not “CAN” Be a Positive Experience
It can be a definite positive to receive counseling from experts in communication. At ACT Family Counseling, we guide you toward your goals while keeping you safe. Our online counseling can help you find solutions to solve the complex challenges in your life. Staying COVID safe when others are not, especially when they are your friends, can be tough. You don’t want to offend, you don’t want to seem withdrawn, just safe yet social.
You can draw close to your friends from a safe distance. We can show you how by giving you the tools that will ensure your friends feel appreciated and you stay COVID safe!
ACT Family Counseling
6 Locations to Serve You
Apple Valley | Chino | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Ontario | Victorville
800.801.8777
This article first appeared at ACT Teletherapy.com
CLICK HERE to learn more about Teletherapy and how you can connect via phone, text, or video.
