If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone. Tons of Americans and people around the globe are feeling stressed, scared, and anxious. The coronavirus pandemic is serious and much deadlier than other viruses like the flu. Unfortunately, for people who live in the United States, cases are going up and life isn’t going back to normal any time soon. With that said, there are some steps you can take to care of your emotional and mental well-being. Keep reading to learn ways to practice self-care in the age of COVID-19.
Try CBD products for pain or anxiety
CBD has tons of potential benefits for those dealing with stress. Besides providing users with anti-inflammatory properties, CBD also delivers a soothing calming effect. Plus, it generally contains low levels of THC, so you don’t have to worry about psychoactive effects. Most people tolerate CBD well without negative side effects.
Our favorite CBD products:
Practice yoga and other gentle exercises
To combat stress and anxiety, you may want to consider taking up yoga. There’s a very low barrier to entry – all you need is comfortable clothing and a yoga mat. There are tons of online studios you can use to learn yoga. Even thirty minutes a day can make a positive impact on your mental and physical health.
If you want to do something a little more exciting outside of gentle stretches, consider getting into biking, hiking, or running. You don’t have to sign up for an event or competition to make it worth it. Simply starting to exercise regularly and being active consistently can give you a serious mental boost.
Yoga and other workout websites we love:
Take breaks from social media and the news
Constantly surrounding yourself with nonstop bad news can have a serious toll on your mental health. If you feel like you’re getting depressed due to the constant stream of depressing news updates, consider avoiding the news for a few days. Or limit yourself to reading the news once a day or even select a day where you don’t read the news at all.
A similar issue can happen when you endlessly scroll social media. Maybe scrolling through Instagram makes you feel envious of others’ ability to stay productive through lockdown while you struggle to get out of bed. Whatever the reason, it can be tough to avoid comparing your experience of quarantine to others on your social feed. Consider taking an extended break from social media or deleting it all together to focus on your “real world” goals.
Here are some websites and apps that can help show you how much time you waste on social media and other distracting websites:
Get enough sleep
When you’re stressed, it can make going to sleep and staying asleep incredibly difficult. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Sleeping at least eight hours a night should always be a priority. If you find that you’re not sleeping well, it can result in grogginess, memory issues, and appetite problems.
Try out these tips to get better sleep:
- Avoid using your phone and other electronic devices two hours before bedtime
- Avoid caffeine like coffee and black or green tea at least six hours before bedtime
- Make sure your bedroom is completely dark to avoid light pollution (which can disrupt sleep)
- Consider supplements like melatonin to help you fall asleep
- Try a warm bath or shower before bed to relax you
Here are a few products we love that can help you sleep better:
- https://www.rishi-tea.com/product/golden-chamomile-blossoms-organic-caffeine-free-herbal-blend/loose-leaf-tea
- https://www.gummyvites.com/en/vitafusion/products/vitafusion-melatonin
Takeaways: Staying Calm in the Age of COVID-19
Sure, there’s plenty to worry about these days. But if you don’t manage your stress and anxiety, you can end up feeling terrible and you might even develop stress-related health conditions. So, make sure that you prioritize self-care during the pandemic. Know when it’s time to take a break from the news and social media. Consider taking CBD to help soothe your anxiety and take up yoga or meditation to calm your mind. And finally, don’t underestimate the need for sleep. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. With these tips, you can ensure that you feel happier and healthier, no matter what.
Photo Credits
Photos are from shutterstock
Guest Author Bio
Hank McKinsey
When my wife and I purchased our home in the Spring of 2013, I became a stay-at-home-dad to our two wonderful and wacky Malteses – Digit and Poppy. Hailing from Western Pennsylvania and currently residing in Central California, my hobbies include golf, tennis, jazz music, and eating. While journalism was my college minor, crafting and DIY have always been my creative outlets. So sit back, pour up a drink, and let’s make something together!
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