Yeah, just because you take a deep breath, those dishes aren’t going to do themselves. But if you’re feeling anxious, depressed, overwhelmed or just STRESSED OUT because this house is a mess and I have work to do and how am I going to pay for this (because we are ALL FEELING IT), try one of these not-terrible tips, straight from my therapist’s couch.

(If you think you are suffering from chronic depression or anxiety, or are feeling helpless, please call your doctor, as these tips aren’t designed to treat any mental illnesses.)

Three 10-second breaths

Close your eyes and breathe in through the nose (count of 3-4), and out through the mouth (count of 6-8). It will slow your heart rate and calm your brain.

5-4-3-2-1 game

The part of the brain spinning with bad thoughts turns off when you play this game. Look around the room and name

• 5 things you can see of the same color
• 4 things you can touch (describe how they feel, like ‘this soft blanket’)
• 3 things you can hear
• 2 things you can smell
• 1 thing you can taste

Jot down gratitude

Grab any piece of paper and write down three things you’re grateful for. Take your time and really focus on each thing. If you need help focusing, try listing one friend or family member-related item, one item in your home, and one silly little thing you’re happy to have.

Recharge Time for Parents

If you have a partner who can take charge of the kids, or older kids that can watch the younger ones for a moment, take advantage often, as alone time can be vital to your well-being. If you don’t have in-house kid supervision, here are some creative ways to find some time for yourself:

• Screen time: yes, even if it’s a 4th episode of Paw Patrol, your sanity is more important.
• Put yourself in time-out. Kids that are old enough to understand (and have likely spent time in) time-out know it means you have to sit quietly and you’re not allowed to talk.
• Take the easy way out: let them eat pizza (again). Let them watch another movie. Let them upend your couch cushions and make a fort. Whatever they will be happy doing, let them do it. Say yes. These are strange times.
• Run an in-car, socially-distant errand or two. Pickup your grocery order. Take your mail to the actual post office. Return a library book. Whatever you can do in the car (whether you have to put Paw Patrol on in the backseat or not), do it. At the very least, just take a drive.
• Video chat with relatives. Get grandma or their fun aunt on the line and tell them you’re going to take a shower. (Don’t have that capability? Have your favorite neighbor come over and make faces through the window.
• Wake up early or stay up late. Waking up earlier might be impossible for parents of 4-year olds who never sleep, and staying up late isn’t advisable on an ongoing basis, but if they’re asleep and you’re not, use that time as best you can.
• PRO TIP (for kids who are old enough to understand): tell them you’re going to lay down for a nap, but when you wake up it’s time for chores, they’ll leave you alone FOR HOURS.