The quarantine caused by the coronavirus pandemic has been one of the most stressful events in many people’s lives. You’re not sure when it’s safe to go out, you never know who could by carrying the virus, and there’s no clear end in sight with a vaccine still in development. With all your favorite stores, bars, cafes, and restaurants closed, there’s seemingly nowhere to go. So, you’re stuck inside reading, streaming endless online content, and chatting over video chat with friends.
It’s totally understandable if that’s left you a little stressed out. In this post, we’ll walk you through what you need to do to reduce your stress levels and make it through quarantine feeling calm and relaxed, even in spite of the raging global pandemic.
Try out yoga
Yoga is one of the most trending exercises out there because it soothes your mind while also strengthening and stretching your body. The combination of exercise and mental relaxation can work wonders on your stress levels, bringing you to a state of mind where you feel composed and in control of your thoughts and feelings.
If you’re looking for a good yoga routine, there are plenty online. Looking for a handy resource? Check it this URL for a reputable and engaging source for all your flows, from light stretching to deep tissue work:
If yoga isn’t exactly your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty more options where that came from!
Go for walks
A simple morning or evening walk is a great way to settle your feelings and naturally let go of stress. As a way to naturally let go of pent up stress and emotion, walking can work wonders. It’s been scientifically studied, and many researchers believe that the simple act of walking can open up parts of your brain that are closed and stifled if you’re sedentary.
A long, calm walk has the potential to allow new thoughts to enter your mind, and if you’re feeling down and anxious, can make room for optimistic and happier thoughts. Take in the scenery, breathe in the fresh air, and allow your mind to wander onto interesting thoughts that you don’t remember to think while you’re stuck inside.
Use natural destressing herbs
Nature not only provides us with the ability to walk and stretch to relieve stress, it also provides us with healing herbs that can restore a sense of calm even when we’re having trouble doing it on our own. Here are some of the most naturally calming herbs available on the market:
- Ginseng, which makes a great tea that can relax muscles and put your racing mind at ease
- Mint, which is great for lotions, tea, and soap, and can refresh your tired brain
- Lavender, a naturally calming scent that’s easily incorporated into balms and bath bombs
- Cannabis, and in particular CBD, whose ability to ease your mind and release tension has recently been rediscovered
CBD in particular is a great remedy for stress and anxiety. If you’re not sure where to pick some up or where to start, consider this resource:
Need something a little more physical? We’ve got you covered.
Run it out
Running is one of the healthiest exercises around. The increased cardiovascular movement, the enhanced respiratory action, and the hyper-engaged muscle stimulus all make running a great way to shift your mind and body away from feelings of stress.
Running can be a hard routine to get started with, and many people, after an exhausting first time out on the roads, simply give up. The key to running well is starting small and building up endurance over time. If you can only run a quarter mile, that’s totally fine. Next time try for a third. Then, maybe a few times later, half a mile. Slowly building up like that is sure to help you feel accomplished and destressed.
Connect with old friends
Lastly, connecting with old friends is an extremely important way to destress. Humans are naturally social creatures and being stuck inside during quarantine can make us feel isolated, lonely, and anxious. By reconnecting with old friends that you don’t often talk to, you allow yourself to feel a sense of belonging, which in turn reduces stress and anxiety. Try using this resource as a way to safely reconnect at a distance:
Whatever you choose, just know that actively taking steps to reduce your stress is a healthy and amazing decision.
