Everyone is feeling in over their heads right this moment.   This makes sense in the greater scheme of things.  Most of our routines and coping mechanisms have been compromised to a degree.  

We are unable to refocus our energies.  It has been six months since we collectively gave up the ability to seek external venues to de stress, engage in community, or simply window shop.  We were not trained to live in isolation and the price for health and safety is exacting a heavy mental price tag. 

The mental exhaustion is more pronounced for college students that thrive in the rudimentary aspects of college life: dorms, cafeterias, study groups, libraries, coffee shops, etc… Extroverts and introverts are both struggling to cope with the loss of the college campus environment.

Having to stay in one place that was is not designed to maximize engagement with professors, peers, and resources is hard. This is particularly challenging if you live in a multigenerational or crowded house environment, that is creating its own kind of stress. 

The noise of everyday life  is probably causing feelings of anxiety, desperation, fear and even rage.  I have some ideas you may want to try if you are feeling overwhelmed by your environment, feelings, finances, obligations, or responsibilities

Let’s talk about this.  

We have all heard that we cannot change the way other people act but have the choice in how we respond to other people’s behavior.   Similarly, we cannot change the fact that Coronavirus has radically changed how we live, but we can find a bridge between isolation and a full mental breakdown.

Here is a list of great mind-clearing activities to try indoors, even if you are in a very loud and busy household.  

Drown Out the Overwhelming Thoughts Indoors

2.    Just write.  Journaling has long been recommended by mental health professionals as an activity to help cope with strong and complex emotions.   Just set a timer on your phone, watch, computer, smart watch, etc.. and type or write away so that you might drown out the noise that might be overwhelming your psyche.

3.   Find your “I will succeed” anthem and play it on repeat.  Let the song draw out the emotions that are grabbing a hold of you; cry, sob, dance.  Do whatever it takes to get the emotions out of the way so you may refocus.  My go to in college was “Color Esperanza” by Diego Torres: https://youtu.be/Nb1VOQRs-Vs

4.   Set a timer and complete one task from beginning to end.  Take 5 to 10 minutes and just GO without stop.   Stack your books, make your bed, set-up your weekly calendar, give that online payment, run the dishwasher, swiffer the room, etc…  The point is to get that “I FEEL GOOD” vibe to ignite some momentum and motivate you to tackle a more challenging task.

5.   Take a shower and let out a “drowned out” yell.  If all else fails and you need a break from your crazy household, go take your shower and let out the strongest silent yell you got in you.  Do it as many times as it takes for you to feel the emotions release from your body.

6.   Stretch or lay on the floor while focusing on your breath.   Thinking about your breath means you are not thinking of anything else.

7.   Pray.   Have a conversation with the higher power you believe in and talk to him/her as you would talk to the closest of friends.  Be honest about your feelings and verbalize what you need from the universe.

These strategies might sound contrite, but trust me, they work.  I employed all of them to different degrees during my college years.   I was often alone and isolated my freshman year of college; however, employing these strategies allowed me to endure despite feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, stress, fear, and anxiety.   They never failed me.  I hope they will help you get through these times.