It’s important to focus on your mental health during this time, but you should also give adequate attention to your body too.
Work Out
Some people work out to relieve stress and feel calm. I am not one of those people, but I do take their word for it. WIRED senior writer Adrienne So put together a guide called How to Work Out From Home that will help even the laziest and most out-of-shape (me) to get moving.
If working out sounds more stress-inducing than stress-relieving, but you still want to stay somewhat active, try yoga. It melts away my stress and helps build muscle.
Whether your muscles get sore from working out or from slouching over your computer for the 100th day in a row, a Theragun might help fix you right up. We tested most of the company’s new lineup to find our favorites, with the Theragun Elite ($400) coming out on top. It’s not cheap, but it has the quietest motor and an ergonomic handle for hitting the hard-to-reach spots yourself. For a more affordable option, we also like Sharper Image’s Powerboost Deep Tissue Massager.
Clear Your Mind
Meditation is an extremely beneficial tool to feel calm. We are constantly plugged-in with what’s going on in the world, and right now it’s weighing on us. Setting aside time to meditate, with your phone on silent, will give you at least a few minutes of peace.
All you need to effectively meditate is yourself and a quiet place. But it can be hard to turn off your thoughts and focus on the task at hand, so there are tools to help you get started. The Headspace app (iOS and Android) has an easy-to-follow beginner’s course and a decent free library of guided meditations. Unplug (iOS and Android) doesn’t have a free version, but there is a seven-day trial. Both have super short courses, which are perfect for when you’re in desperate need of a cooldown.
I love the Core Meditation Trainer ($150), a small device that uses vibrations to help focus your mind and breath as its connected app walks you through practices. Unfortunately, it’s expensive (and unlimited access to the app costs extra), especially for an activity that doesn’t really need accessories.
For a full-body reset, try an acupressure mat like this bundle from Bed of Nails ($180). Acupressure is similar to acupuncture, but instead of needles it uses firm plastic plates—or “nails.” It’s a lot less scary than it sounds. The pressure those nails create purportedly releases endorphins in the body. While I can’t confirm this, it has helped ease my stress.
Try Tarot
Whenever I’m feeling stuck, I get my cards read to give myself some clarity. Tarot is what you make it—it can be a calming and spiritual (however you define that) experience, especially if you’ve got something weighing heavily on you. It is not a crystal ball.
Getting your cards read by a professional is a great experience, but you can also learn the ropes yourself. It’s not going to be easy, but if there was ever a more perfect time to dedicate many hours to learning the ins and outs of what a tarot deck holds, it’s when you can’t go out for non-esssential reasons.
If you want to start with a physical deck, I recommend the classic Rider Waite Deck ($20). It’s the easiest to learn, with most resources referencing it. If you’ve already got the basics down and want to explore other, more beautiful decks, these are some of my favorites:
