The outbreak of COVID-19 virus can be stressful and overwhelming, which can lead to strong behaviors and emotions. Stress can affect your body, thoughts, feelings, and behavior, which left unchecked can lead to many health problems. Have you noticed changes in your sleeping pattern? Are you having trouble concentrating, and feel an underlying state of worry? Then you may be stressed out, but the silver lining is there are many ways for you to manage and or reduce your stress levels TODAY. Which is why we have compiled a list of stress coping methods that you may find helpful.
Media Timeout - Take a break from consuming news about the pandemic. Constantly reading, watching, and listening to the news can directly increase your stress levels. Find a balance of staying both informed and healthy and consume your news at the beginning and end of each day.
Drink Tea - Cozy up with a warm cup of tea. Herbal tea has been linked to boosting mood and promoting feelings of relaxation. Brew up a mug of calming tea like the De-stress Blend infused with herbs like lavender, L-Theanine, and Valerian root, and let the ingredients and aroma soothe you.
Make time to unwind - Give stress the boot by doing more of what you love. Read a book, watch your favorite movie, and cozy up with a warm cup of tea. Try to do some other activities you enjoy. Looking for new ways to stay productive? Check out our Productivity Hacks blog post.
Take care of your body - In a national survey, over 85% of people who did yoga reported that it helped them relieve stress. Try setting aside some time to center yourself by doing yoga, meditating, stretching and doing breathwork. Each of these activities has been linked to reducing stress when practiced habitually and will leave you feeling lighter and brighter.
Healthy Eating - A healthy diet can help counter the impact of stress by shoring up the immune system and lowering blood pressure. Certain foods like oatmeal have been found to boost serotonin. Stocking up on canned goods and shelf-stable foods is great, but be sure to incorporate fresh greens and proteins. Try incorporating the MyPlate method when whipping up your meals to ensure you are meeting all of your nutritional needs. Need some inspiration? Check out these well-balanced breakfast ideas to fuel your body, mind, and mood. link to breakfast post
Exercise Regularly - Exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol. It also stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. Safely take a walk around your neighborhood, jaunt up the stairs, or try the internet. There are heaps of FREE at-home exercises available online to get your blood flowing without leaving the house.
Sleep Cycle - Following a regular sleep routine calms and restores the body, improves concentration, regulates mood, and sharpens judgment and decision-making. You are a better problem solver and are better able to cope with stress when you're well-rested. Not getting enough sleep? Try incorporating a few well-timed coffee naps into your workday. They will leave you alert and refreshed when you wake up.
Community - Nourishing interpersonal relationships is vital during this time of social distancing and directly reduces your stress levels. Talk with people you trust about your concerns and how you are feeling, albeit virtually. Luckily tools like Zoom, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts have proven to bring us closer together during this pandemic.
To say that this pandemic is a stressful time is an understatement. Stay in tune with your body and mind. Adopt some of the steps we have listed above and take a moment to De-stress.