It does not need to be explained that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought with it high levels of stress and anxiety. You may be coping with loved ones in the hospital or the day-to-day challenges of working from home. This is a challenging time and each day we face more changes and shifts in our culture and our normal ways of living are challenged.
This is an important time to focus on reducing stress and anxiety and to keep your mental health at the forefront of your priorities. You can incorporate one or all of the suggestions below to help you through this time.
- Relax Your Mind with Meditation
WebMd recommends a very simple meditation technique for easing anxiety. Close your eyes, choose a simple mantra, and repeat it to yourself out loud or silently. Some mantra suggestions for your mantra: “I am safe,” “I am healthy,” or “I am at peace.”
- Hobbies – Try Something New or Something You Used to Enjoy
Channel your energy into a favorite old hobby or something new. The Australian Government’s Department of Health suggests taking up a hobby as a good way to unwind from daily life. Pick up that old instrument you’ve been meaning to play, learn how to cook, or start keeping a journal. Keep it simple and make sure it brings you joy, don’t force yourself to do anything that isn’t easing your stress. - 30 Minutes of Exercise
Exercise falls under the umbrella of having a hobby but deserves a mention all its own. Physical activity is a well-documented way to lower stress and anxiety. You may feel that you don’t have the time for exercise, but that’s not at all true.
We recommend taking 30 minutes each day to exercise, to help get your body moving. Go for a walk or try a workout video on YouTube or Instagram. And if you really don’t have the time for 30 minutes all at once, take mini breaks throughout the day and do 100 squats, 50 push-ups or try the 7 Minute Workout (https://7minuteworkout.jnj.com/). Surely you have 7 minutes!
- Try Growing House Plants
Now is the perfect time to cultivate some lovely houseplants. Plants are known to improve air quality in your home and research also suggests plants can improve your mood and increase your attention span. Many local nurseries are selling plants online and offer shipping or contactless pick-up options. - Take the Time to Laugh
“Laughter is the best medicine” is a cliché for a very good reason. It may take some effort to induce laughter these days, however it will be worth the mood-enhancing benefits. You can try watching a comedy special or funny videos on TikTok or YouTube. Or for something a little different, give Laughter Yoga a try. Laughter Yoga was popularized by Dr. Mandan Kataria in the mid-1990s. The practice combines yoga breathing techniques and laughter exercises. Check out the resources on https://laughteryoga.org/ to get started. - Connect with Loved Ones
During times of crisis, it is important to talk to your friends and family about your feelings. The Mental Health Foundation in the UK says that just having someone listen can ease your mind. They suggest that if having a conversation feels awkward at first, start with an activity and allow the conversation to develop naturally.
If you are having a hard time connecting with friends and family, we encourage you to try Marco Polo, or schedule a time to talk with those you love each week.
- Seek Out Integrative Chiropractic Care
Stress and anxiety can cause sleeplessness, headaches and other physical ailments. We have a variety of modalities that can help you with your overall health and wellness along with stress and anxiety. This includes getting an adjustment, electric stim, acupuncture, alpha stim, and more.
Axcess Accident Center is open during the pandemic and adhering to best health practices. We can help you assess your needs and how we can help ease your stress, aches, pain or discomfort. Call (801) 701-8222 to contact any Axcess Accident Center and schedule an appointment.
Learn more about how chiropractic care can help you here.
