5 Tips To Ease Anxiety During Chaotic Times
One thing that can really help you stay motivated and inspired during this time? Routine. Yes, it’s essential that you still carve out time to do these small tips to feel sane during this chaotic time. Keep reading to find out a few ways you can help your mood and don’t forget to share what works for you with us on social!
Make your bed and clean your living area. Believe it or not, putting in a little elbow grease can do wonders for your mental health. A small study published in the journal Mindfulness found that participants who engaged in mindfully washing the dishes — meaning they took a moment to inhale the scent of the soap and to allow their skin to absorb the warmth of the water — reported a 27% reduction in nervousness, along with a 25% improvement in “mental inspiration.” A survey found that those who make their bed and/or sleep with clean sheets are much more likely to get a better night’s sleep. Other studies found that those who keep a schedule, set goals for an exercise regimen, and keep a clean home are more likely to commit to being active.
Write down what is giving you stress. Highlight the things you CAN control. Underline the things you CAN’T control. (Ahem…COVID-19.) Feelings of anxiety can lead to stress and rumination when left unchecked, but some of the roots of your anxiety can be minimized through a little-focused examination. Start by journaling for 5 to 15 minutes.Next, re-read and re-think what you just wrote. As you write, plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Organize all of your drawers, cabinets and closets. Clutter and messes can be a visual representation of the mind, which can therefore make your own disorganized thoughts that much more stressful. These visual stimuli can make it harder to focus because the business overwhelms the visual cortex. Clutter can also make people self-conscious and worry about how others perceive them. The fear of being judged for a messy space can contribute to a worsened mental state, particularly because of the human need to be accepted by others.
Get your heart rate up for 30 minutes a day. When stress affects the brain, with its many nerve connections, the rest of the body feels the impact as well. Or, if your body feels better, so does your mind. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins — chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers — and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.
- Shut off the news and play a podcast. Try one of the below:
- #1 The Calmer You Podcast.
- #2 The Anxiety Guy.
- #3 The Overwhelmed Brain.
- #4 Selfie.
- #5 Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations.
- #6 The One You Feed.
- #7 Not Another Anxiety Show.
- #8 10% Happier.
How have you been managing your stress during this pandemic? Let us know and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.