With new cases of COVID-19 still arising and mutating–it is easy to remain stressed and worried about the future. We understand that this virus is still lingering around, you may not know how to handle and manage your stress and anxiety. Follow along for ways to remain healthy and reduce stress this year.
Create A Relaxing Environment
It is so important to create enough time for yourself to unwind and rest at the end of the day or week. Whenever you have a chance, turn off the lights and take a deep breath. Diffusing pure essential oils is a great way to soak in pleasant smells while also relaxing your body. Other great ideas for creating a relaxing environment include a bubble bath, lighting a candle, or playing some of your favorite gentle music. All these things can signal to your body that you are ready to unwind and reset.
Meditation
Meditating is one of the best ways to reduce stress and anxiety in the body. There are multiple scientific studies that prove that meditation works to improve anxiety and unwanted stress. One of the main reasons for this is that it allows you to sit with your intrusive thoughts and let them go. Through sitting still for a few minutes you get time to understand your cognitive function and possibly the anxious thoughts you’ve been scrambling all day. In this day and age, we don’t typically take enough time to sit with ourselves amongst the hustle and bustle. Taking time to meditate, especially during a pandemic, is critical to reduce stress.
Exercise
As you probably already know, exercise is crucial for your physical health and self-care. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins which are feel-good neurotransmitters. Exercise can also benefit your appetite and sleep cycles. Unfortunately, many people feel like they don’t have enough time to exercise. However, even just 20 minutes of exercise can give you similar benefits to longer periods of time. Try to plan for physical activity on the weekends when you have extra time– hiking, running, or yoga are all fun options. The greatest part is that exercise can also be your hobby or turn into a hobby! For example, maybe you love dogs, and thus you enjoy walking your dogs! This is exercise. On the other hand, you could realize your love for tennis or volleyball by practicing them. Sports can be great ways to exercise.
Nutrition
Nutrition is important for yourself. The foods we eat can contribute to our energy levels, anxiety, and overall happiness. Think about the time you had a burger and fries and you felt lethargic and unmotivated afterwards. Putting the right foods into your body will not only make you feel better but it will keep you healthy so you don’t risk catching a cold or virus. Vegetables and fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They are your best bet for remaining healthy and happy. It is also a good thing to add a probiotic or vitamins into your diet. We often lack more vitamins than we ever thought. You can pick some up at your local grocery store or pharmacy.
Maintain A Support System
Social relationships are incredibly important for your mental health. Finding a support system that can be there for you through the good and the bad is superb! Hopefully, you have built a community of family and friends that is willing to be there for you. Even having 1-2 people who will listen to you when you need advice or care to lend a helping hand can improve your overall happiness. When you are stressed, what better way to relieve some than to turn to a friend and walk on the beach together! The power of community is endless.
Take In The Sunshine
With spring here, and summer right around the corner, sunshine is becoming more plentiful. Sunlight and vitamin D are important for your health and well being. Spend some time in nature or take a short walk! Soak up that sun. You could also plan a camping trip for a little rejuvenating getaway.
