At this very moment, 90% of Americans, coast-to-coast, are under stay-at-home orders to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of COVID-19. While staying indoors and limiting social contact is one of the best things you can do for your community right now, it sometimes doesn’t feel so great. In fact, it can feel downright stressful, overwhelming, and lonely at times.
It’s more important now than ever that we focus on our mental health.
Remember, it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes; We’re all concerned and feeling very outside of our element right now - it’s kind of expected. But, if you’re looking for some ways to relieve stress and feel better, we’ve got 7 tips that can really help. Take a look.1. Soak Up Some Sun
Just because you’re staying home right now, doesn’t mean you need to give up on the sun! In fact, it could be just what you need! Sunshine has been shown to increase serotonin levels in your brain which can elevate your mood and go a long way towards helping you feel better. Try drinking your morning coffee on the patio or in the backyard, or taking a socially distanced stroll through your neighborhood. You’ll feel better!
2. Be Mindful
With so much going on in the world and in our communities right now, it can be hard to quiet your mind and find peace; Practicing mindfulness can help with this. Mindfulness focuses on being present, bringing your thoughts to the moment you’re in, and acting with purpose and intent. The Mayo Clinic has some great mindfulness meditation videos to get you started.3. Stick to a Routine
Implementing some semblance of structure into your new daily routine can help you feel normal in a very abnormal situation. If you’re working from home right now, try to still wake up at the same time in the mornings and get ready for the day. If you have children home from school, keeping them on a schedule for learning, lunch, and snacks can prove helpful to everyone. There may be a lot out of you and your family’s control right now, but routines can help everyone feel more centered.4. Drink a Cup of Tea
Green tea can be a fantastic stress reliever. Not only is a cup of green tea chock-full of antioxidants, but it also contains amino acids that are known for their stress relieving qualities. Brewing a cup in the afternoon to take a breather, or unwinding in the evening with it, are both great ways to calm your nerves.
5. Clean Up
Doing the dishes may not sound like an appealing activity; But, the act of cleaning and organizing has been shown to have a large impact on reducing stress and anxiety. Not only does the act of cleaning help burn calories and release endorphins, experts believe that being in clean and organized surroundings within your home can help calm and quiet your mind.6. Take Deep Breaths
One of the most important things you can do to relieve stress is simply to breathe. By pausing and doing some deep breathing exercises, you can help stop anxiety in its tracks. Try closing your eyes and taking a deep breath through your nose. Relax your shoulders, and then breathe out slowly through your mouth. For more deep breathing exercises you can do, WebMD has a great article you can check out here.
7. Exercise!
Get moving and release those stress-reducing endorphins! You may not be able to go to the gym right now, but there are exercises you can do right in your living room to get your blood pumping and shake off some of your worries. Healthline has a helpful article with all you need to know about how to exercise while isolated.
Keep in mind that it’s not about being perfect; You can only try your best. And, if your best for today is reading a good book and drinking coffee, that’s ok.
How are you decompressing during this time? Let us know! @AngelinosCoffee, Instagram, or Facebook
