New hobbies help fight isolation, stress
If you’re likeme, you’ve used old hobbies to help relieve some of the stress brought on by one of the strangest years in memory. Whether it iswearing a mask, having your groceries delivered, teleworking, or homeschooling children, the last several months have been unusual, to say the least. Add the politics of an election year and the isolation of the pandemic, and things have reached a critical mass in terms of stress.
According to Theresa Shipman, director of Fort Meade’s Army Substance Abuse Program, finding ways to relieve stress is vital to staying healthy. “Because our bodies aren’t designed for chronic stress, we can face negative health effects, both physical and emotional, ifwe experience [ the stress] for an extended period of time,” said Shipman. “Utilizing an overall plan of attack for stress relief is most efficient when we approach stress relief from several different directions.”
Iwas curious about what otherswere doing to relieve stress. I sent out a few emails to some garrison employees to find out what measures theywere taking to deal with their stress and to cope with the isolation of theCOVID- 19 pandemic.
For example, I’ve always been a bit of a crafter and have dabbled in knitting, sewing and other creative activities. I started the isolation time by knitting a duster- length cardigan sweater. Then I used YouTube to learn to crochet, and since then, I’ve been making lace Christmas ornaments, hats and collars inspired by those worn by Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
Sarah Bonise, the installation school liaison officer, says when she began teleworking, she found she had more time on her hands. “I gained two hours a day by not commuting,” she said. “So, I began a personal challenge. Sneakers on and out the door every day.”
Her goalwas not to skip a day, rain or shine. “Now, 245 days later, I have worked up towalking two miles each day,” she said. “I walk before 8 a. m. If it’s pouring rain, Iwait until later, as long as I make it out the door at some point.”
She says the regular exercise has helped keep her in a positive mood as the pressure of isolation continues on and on. “The upside is I’m feeling much, much better, and able to greet each day with a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of being happy. As I approachmy door inmy final lap, I do givemyself a high five!”
Like Sarah, Ben Rogers, the newest member of the public affairs office, goes on long hikes andwalks in the woods with his wifeMarie and their dog Sequoia. “Connecting to nature and the great outdoors does wonders for our soul,” said
Rogers. “The only issue is if we pick a crowded trail and we pass people that don’t wear masks.”
When they aren’t hiking orwalking and theweather is cooperating, the Rogers like to hit the open road. “I traded inmyHarleyDavidson for aBMWAdventure bike,” said Rogers. “Adventure bikes … are typically heavy bikes that are very off- road capable but also built to do long tours on the road. It’s a big game- changer forme. Not just for COVID but formy PTSD,” he said. “It’s a great reprieve.”
Jerold Glodek, Cultural ResourceManager and Environmental Protection Specialist, took to music as his stress reliever. “I’ve picked upmy guitar and started to really get down some Eddie Cockran guitar licks,” said Glodek.
But musicwasn’t the only thing that helped Glodek relieve stress. The history buff decided he wanted to expand his polish vocabulary, so he’s tried to recreate his mother and grandmother’s recipes and study the notes they left for him. “I have papers all over the house with polish words and phrases on them,” said Glodek. “Phrases like, “I’m in the bathroom, so knock next time before coming in,” was just one of the expressions he learned. “It prompted my son to figure out howto say, “Lock the bathroom door next time then,” he said. He has also been tracing his family tree through Ancestry. com.
“Now I’msharing family stories with all the young cousins and nieces and nephews that had no idea about whatwas going on in our family before all four of our grandparents came over between1898- 1901,” said Glodek. “Sadly, Iwas informed that 10 members of our Glodek familywere some of the many unfortunates that perished in Auschwitz.”
Stress relief is important
According toMaj. Amy
Brzuchalski, Chief of BehavioralHealth and Fort Meade’s new Installation Director of Psychological Health, finding and keeping a stress reliever is imperative in these times.
“It is very easy to let self- care go during times of high stress,” said Brzuchalski. “Making deliberate time to care for yourself is key to relaxation and keeping yourself energized. Set aside time for physical activity, a creative outlet or hobby, getting fresh air, or connectingwith others outside of your home or office.”
Self- care time is so important, Brzuchalski said you should enlist family and friends to ensure you are keeping your appointments. “Communicate and plan this time with your family and friends,” said Brzuchalski. “For example, “Iwould really appreciate you taking care of the kids on Thursday at 3 p. m. so I can have one hour of uninterrupted time to [ insert activity here].”
Shipman encourages starting a “Daily Gratitude Journal” and to plan for quick relief strategies, like deep breathing, visualizing a happy place and quick bursts of energy. “The root word of emotion is motion,” said Shipman. “Running up a flight of stairs as fast as you can, jumping jacks, pushups, are all quick energy bursts that offer fast relief.”
While the vaccines are a major step toward the end of this pandemic, we still have possibly months of social distancing and isolation ahead of us.
What are you doing to relieve stress? What new habits have you developed to ensure your body can manage the changes brought on by the pandemic? Are some of the changes you’vemade turning into your resolutions for theNewYear?