By Emma Brown
Since the coronavirus outbreak first began, we’ve all been spending more and more time at home with our families, significant others, and roommates—and new tensions have arisen because of it. Whether we’re feeling overwhelmed as we take on new and changing responsibilities, frustrated by our lack of space and alone time, or we’re struggling financially because of a coronavirus-related job loss, there are some things we can do to alleviate these tensions and improve life at home during COVID-19. The budget-friendly tips below will help you to do it!
1. Turn to Health and Fitness
Tensions are bound to arise when you’re spending most of your time at home with the same people each day, but a good health and fitness routine can boost your mood, alleviate stress and anxiety, and help you to feel happier and healthier overall. As such, starting an exercise routine, eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of probiotic foods, and living a healthier lifestyle overall could help to release some of the tension you may be experiencing due to COVID-19—and make your home a calmer, happier place to self-isolate in with your family, roommates, or significant other. Plus, simply having health and fitness goals to work toward during self-isolation could take your mind off the coronavirus and the different things at home that may be troubling you.
2. Get Some Fresh Air and Vitamin D
In addition to focusing on health and fitness while self-isolating during COVID-19, some fresh air and sunshine could help to boost your mood in and outside of the home. You can start by cleaning and opening the windows (when weather permits) in your home. Some extra fresh air and sunlight can do wonders for relieving tension and stress.
According to a Cornell University study, just 10 minutes in nature reduces stress and improves physical and mental well-being—which could also lead to less tension at home. However, you’ll need to focus on safe outdoor activities that allow you to keep your distance from others, such as walking, hiking, running, or gardening. You could also take your yoga practice or fitness routine outside, but remember to avoid crowded public areas.
Moreover, other lower-risk outdoor activities that can be enjoyed throughout the pandemic include road cycling on city streets and mountain biking on local trails—as long as you’re taking precautions and avoiding crowded public areas. You may need to invest in a new bike, helmet, goggles, pads for your elbows and knees, and other safety gear, but the benefits will be well worth the expense. Plus, you can shop at cashback stores and find other digital discounts and promo codes to save on your new outdoor gear—whether you plan on spending some time biking, camping, hiking, gardening in your backyard, or swimming at the beach. You can even find stores with free gift offers when you make a purchase.
3. Take Advantage of Free Online Content
Physical activity and fresh air can help to boost your health and well-being during the pandemic, but it’s also important to cope with boredom when you need to be indoors and don’t feel like working out. Some experts believe that boredom can lead to negative thinking, reduced well-being, and an increased risk of anxiety and depression—which is especially worrisome in the midst of a global pandemic.
If you’re feeling bored or anxious while self-isolating at home, it may be time to take advantage of all the free online content that’s available during COVID-19. A few great options include:
Movies, television shows, music, books, and magazine articles
Online learning and courses through Coursera, such as the Science of Well-Being by Yale University
Virtual tours of theme parks, zoos, and museums
Mental health services like Talkspace, BetterHelp, Hims and Hers, and Thrive Talk
The Bottom Line
With the help of some physical activity, nutritious foods, fresh air, and free online content, you can boost your mood and alleviate tensions at home during COVID-19—all without spending a fortune on things like fitness gear, outdoor equipment, and entertainment. The happier and healthier you feel during self-isolation, the better roommate, parent, friend, or significant other you’ll be.
