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.
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!
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.
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.
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