Stress is our body’s natural response during challenging times. And there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the current pandemic is one of the most gruelling times for everyone. It is quite understandable that you will feel stress and anxiety until we are sure that it is over or find a vaccine.
We keep hearing news about people dying and the number of infections increasing. Almost everyone knows someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, and it scares us. Moreover, due to this infection, we are home-bound and maintaining social distance from people we love. It adds to our stress, and though everyone is trying to manage their stress, everyone has a breaking point. Because along with the pandemic; we are dealing with economic downfall, anxiety about our near and dear ones, and more.
Dealing with so much can overwhelm us, and there is no shame in admitting that your stress levels are increasing. But it is time to take action to keep them in control as stress affects your immune system, and we need strong immunity to fight this disease. If you want to increase imuunity for the fight of COVID-19 then try kadha tea.
Thus, in this blog, we will share tips from known psychologists to curb your stress. Let’s begin.
1. Know that you are not alone
The first thing you need to remember is that you are not alone. The whole world is facing this issue, and some people are ready to help you if you need one. For people, who have a terminal or chronic illness, the pandemic is more worrisome. The inability to do anything or the uncertainty of the virus can stress you, leading to anxiety. But you have to believe that you can get out of this unscathed.
Make sure you have all the necessary numbers, especially if you live alone. Try to limit your outings, ask people to help with groceries, if you have any medical issues or are above 60.
2. Don’t skip exercise
Exercising is imperative, especially during the pandemic and lockdown. Even now, most gyms and yoga studios are not operational. But it is not an excuse to not work out. It is not only to keep you fit or lose weight. When you indulge in any exercise, it increases your endorphin level (happy hormones), which helps curbs stress.
So, try to get in some exercise in any form. Go on a walk with proper masks and sanitizations. Or go on a hike if you happen to live nearby a trek. Dance or join an online gym class or do aerobics or walk up and down the stairs.
Even adults need to start getting in some exercise because being cooped up in their house is getting tough on them.
3. Find time to breathe
When you face a situation, which gives you stress or anxiety, it activates your sympathetic nervous system. That is great when you are following a deadly situation as it helps with flight or flee and planning.
But a pandemic can cause you to be in this phase for a long time, which is not good. It can lead to hypertension or insomnia, and other problems. Thus, breathe and meditate. Find a quiet corner, put on some soothing music, close your eyes, and breathe in and out. Five minutes and you will start to feel a bit relaxed.
4. Surround yourself with positivity
Scan your news, if too much information is stressing you out, give it up a break. Same goes for social media.
- Get some in-house plants. They help purify the air and bring some greenery to the house.
- Be there for people, show them kindness, and you will feel peaceful too.
- Create some inspirational and informative posters using Canva and share it on social media or put them in your home/office.
5. Balance your meals
Since most of us are at home for the better part of the day, we are eating lavish meals and giving into indulgence. And that is fine, as long as you don’t do it every day. Once a week is fine, but all the other days, make sure you eat a balanced and nutritious diet. Start your day with protein and fibre, and fill up on vitamin, minerals, and more.
6. Soak up the sun
Getting lots of vitamin D is good for your body. It increases your immunity levels and makes you feel positive as well.
Let the stress out, talk to people, and support others, and in no time, we will start feeling better.
