From the pandemic, social distancing, the election, racial injustice to the threat of murder hornets, Zoom meetings, and so many other factors, simply put: 2020 HAS BEEN A LOT!
Stress and anxiety are running high these days. It’s become so normalized, most of us don’t even realize we are stressed and anxious. To be in a constant state of stress can have negative impacts on physical and mental health. With so much going on in the world, how can one begin to handle stress levels?
While there are various methods to reduce stress, a great place to start is by focusing on what you can control. For example, maintain healthy habits by getting plenty of quality sleep, eating well-balanced meals, and exercising regularly.
Eat Well-Balanced Meals. Right now maintaining a healthy immune system is paramount. Commit to eating foods that not only help reduce stress, but aid in boosting your immune system. Below are some foods you can include in your diet (of course always drink plenty of water):
Fatty Fish
Leafy Greens
Fruits and Veggies high in Vitamin C
Comfort foods like oatmeal
Pistachios and Almonds
Black Tea
Get moving. Even 20-30 minutes a day of brisk walking is a great stress reliever and a good way to get your mind off your daily worries. As the weather gets colder find virtual workout classes that you enjoy. We plan to keep the workout Wednesdays coming your way to help you stay active.
Improve sleep quality. Are you having a hard time getting to sleep? Shortly before bedtime, try a relaxation strategy that incorporates mindfulness, such as yoga, deep breathing, or meditation, all of which boost sleep time and quality. Here is a deep breathing exercise. Try it a couple of times every day. Here’s how to do it.
1. Lie down, or sit in a chair;
2. Rest your hands on your stomach;
3. Slowly count to four, and inhale through your nose. Feel your stomach rise. Hold it for a second;
4. Slowly count to four while you exhale through your mouth. To control how fast you exhale, purse your lips like you’re going to whistle. Your stomach will slowly fall;
5. Repeat five to ten times
With the current shifts happening in the world right now there are many unknowns. You may feel anxious or overwhelmed, try to find your stress reliever and make it a practice.
Stay safe, healthy and strive to be stress free!
Go to: https://www.thehealthy.com/mental-health/stress/signs-of-stress-why/ to find out the 12 signs you may be more stressed than you realize.