Stress is all around us. From catching up with friends to contact limited to via technology, from sending children to school to be taught to homeschooling and from driving to work for the day to walking to the living room to work from home.
Many of us have not ever experienced this level of change, stepping into roles we never thought we would. For many not getting a break from those around us; can be frustrating – because we are not used it.
The constant and uncertain level of change now is a major source of stress. It can lead to unrealistic expectations for ourselves and others and destroys our capacity for patience.
Most of us are familiar with the frustration that begins to grow inside of us whenever we have been put in a situation that we don’t know how to cope with or when we are constantly in one another’s pockets. Over time, this causes our stress levels to build and can lead to a short temper with increased blood pressure!
Try these methods to increase your patience and reduce stress whilst stuck in isolation:
1. Take a step back
The next time that you feel frustrated over a new restriction, try taking a step back.
- Stewing over the circumstances isn’t helpful to anyone. Focusing on finding a solution helps your brain change gears so that you feel less stressed. It’s also easier to remain patient when you believe that a resolution is on the horizon.
- Allow yourself to have a break from the media. The constant coverage and fear inducing posts is not helpful for anyone. Put some boundaries for yourself in if this is becoming a cause of stress for you.
- Make sure you have time for yourself. You may be in a house full of people but that doesn’t mean you can’t have any alone time. Self-care is vital!!
2. Focus on what you’ve achieved
Many of us naturally begin to feel impatient if we’re making slow progress towards our goals. Rather than thinking about what you haven’t accomplished so far, focus on the progress that you have made.
- Maintain your motivation and build your patience by celebrating small victories as you work towards the fulfilment of your goal.
- Take a few deep breaths when you find yourself feeling anxious about your slow progress.
- Gentle exercises that focus on stretching and breathing, such as yoga and meditation, can also help you to remain calm and patient. For those of you with kids at home, this is something you can do with them as well!
3. Set realistic expectations
Sometimes we become impatient with ourselves and others because we have unrealistic expectations. The next time you start to stress over a delay or other obstacle, try to be more flexible with your schedule and expectations.
Side note for parents/carers who are homeschooling; remember that your children are not used to having school at home just as much as you aren’t used to being a teacher – don’t place unrealistic expectations on them or you.
Consider a range of results or behaviours that would be acceptable to you.
4. Identify your triggers and develop a plan to remain calm
Everyone has certain triggers – people, places, or things – that make them feel impatient and stressed. Figure out your most common triggers and think of ways that would help you successfully cope with them.
Notice what happens in your body when you notice you are feeling impatient and stressed. Our body can tell us so much if we would only listen to it.
5. Laughter is the best medicine
Learn to laugh at little delays and frustrations. Make up a joke about some aspect of the situation and enjoy a chuckle. You’ll feel your stress begin to melt away.
As you use these tips to build your patience and reduce your stress, you’ll learn how to pick your battles wisely and maintain your self-control in the face of delays.
We are all in a difficult situation that is affecting individuals and families in various ways. It’s okay that you are getting impatient, stressed and frustrated – this is not a normal situation. However, we also don’t know how long this will go on for; so, give yourself and your loved ones some grace and take some deep breaths.
You are doing the best you can!!