To say that times are crazy right now is an understatement; COVID-19 has thrown all our lives for a loop. Lock downs, masks, travel restrictions, social distancing – we have had to adapt to a new way of going about our lives. With all of these things come newfound stress that can cause us grief, anxiety, and nervousness. Everyone experiences stress in some shape or form, and each of us have different strategies for coping. Below are some of mine!
1. EXERCISE – this is by far my biggest stress reliever. It’s an hour out of my day where I can put my headphones in, be alone with myself in my thoughts, and focus on pushing weight! Anyone that knows me, knows that if I’m not getting my workouts in I get jittery and irritable (just ask Paolo or Marco!). I leave the gym feeling centred and accomplished, and hopefully sore the next day!
2. READING – I try to keep up to date with the latest news from around the globe. In light of the times and how media is very COVID-centred at the moment, I try to shift toward other issues happening locally, nationally, and globally. I’m also a bit of a Batman junky so I have a lot of those comics!
3. PODCASTS – I enjoy listening to these while I’m out on my bike, driving in the car, or when I’m cleaning my apartment. Personal favourites include Millenial Investing and The Motley Fool for hot market tips, and The Bill Simmons Podcast to get my sports fix (however biased Bill is toward his Boston sports teams!)
4. HIT A PATIO – summertime in Toronto is a patio haven, and especially with expanded room for restaurants this summer, social distancing made it easier to enjoy a couple cold ones outside. It’s also a great way to see your friends while still maintaining that physical distance!
Stresses affect all of us differently, and in different magnitudes. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you are struggling.
Here’s to hoping everyone stays safe and we get through this chapter in a future history textbook.
Take care
Brian Culliton, Registered Physiotherapist