No doubt that COVID-19 has impacted and disrupted our lives in major ways. This disruption can be very stressful. What is stress? Stress can be defined as a negative emotional experience accompanied by biochemical, physiological and behavioral changes. One effect stress has on our bodies is weight gain. On average, Americans have gained 16 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional stress and anxiety can be taxing on our bodies and our responses to these stressors can have the potential to lead to unhealthy lifestyle habits. Stress can increase (or decrease) our appetites, decrease our  motivation for physical activity. Additionally, some people look to food for comfort. Trending right now on google are ‘comfort food recipes’. While comfort food isn’t necessarily unhealthy for us, routinely over-indulging in high fat, high calories foods may lead to weight gain for some. Also, how many of us have picked up the new hobby of baking? Peanut Butter cookies anyone? Our at home habits have changed, especially if we have been working from home or sheltering in place. Do not fret though. There are several things you can incorporate into your day that may be helpful during this strange time. Below are a few recommendations for coping with stress and helping avoid the ‘quarantine-15’: 

• Establish routine and structure. Plan it, follow it, stick with it. But remember to show yourself grace if you cannot follow the same routine each day. 
• Exercise. Get your body moving. Before COVID society was already dependent on all things digital, and now that COVID is here, we realize we need those digital tools more than ever. However, going digital can play a big role in our daily lives. We sit to work on our computers for hours on end. A lot of organizations have sent their employees home to work and the few people I have talked to about this, say they walk much less at home than they ever did in the office. Exercise has always been my go-to when I am stressed, and our beloved gyms have been closed for so long now, how do we keep going. One thing that I always remember is how much better I feel after I exercise. I give myself at least 30 minutes a day to break a sweat, to escape from my computer.
• Get outside. Clear your head and go for a nice walk, while you are walking live in the moment, be mindful of that moment. Are the birds being louder than usual, can you smell freshly cut grass? 
• Try a new hobby. This is a great time to try and paint that old coffee table, or to attempt to sew something! 
• Connecting with friends and families is also very important during times like these or during times you just feel overwhelmed with stress. Have you tried a Trivia Night over a video call with friends yet? 
• Change up your home office. Try to move your home office off the kitchen table if possible. Try your patio or deck for a change of scenery. 

Remember to drink your water, eat your vegetables, and stay positive and we can all get through this together. Please reach out if there is anything that the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Stokes County can do for you.