It is completely natural to feel overwhelmed and stressed during a time like this where levels of anxiety and fear are running high. The best way to keep anxiety and fear from taking over is to focus on activities that keep your mind and body active and healthy. Here are some ideas to keep yourself busy and happy
Baking or Cooking
Try finding recipes from a website like Pinterest or dig up a cookbook you’ve been meaning to use. Make a nourishing meal or a sweet treat.
Podcasts
Listening to a podcast like Meditative Story can be a great distraction for the mind. Meditative Story incorporates storytelling, meditation, and calming music into their episodes. If you feel like you want to listen to a podcast but prefer one with quick episodes, check out Becoming Wise by Krista Tippet.
Reading
Reading fiction books can be a great way to take a break from reality and use our imagination, especially when we feel overwhelmed or anxious.
Talking to Friends
Take time to video call or text your family or friends. Remember that you’re not alone and that we’re all in the same boat. We’ll get through this together.
Getting Fresh Air and Sunshine
Try taking your pet for a walk or go on a jog/stroll with your loved ones to release some endorphins. Have a bonfire at night with the people you love and treat yourself with something delicious like s’mores!
Gentle Movement
It doesn’t have to be anything fancy and it can be as simple as some stretches or engaging in a few gentle yoga poses.
Epsom Salt Baths
Try taking a hot shower or a long Epsom salt bath with essential oils. The magnesium in the Epsom salt is known to relax the body and relieve it of any minor aches or pains.
Journaling
Try journaling your thoughts and feelings instead of internalizing them. Whatever you’re feeling right now is very real. Take some time to pay attention to your thoughts and see what your mind and body are in need of. Amber Rae is doing a great 30-day journaling journey for free and you can still view past prompts!
Guided Meditations
Try using an app like Simple Habit to go through some quick and easy guided meditations. They’re offering quite a few free ones, but you can also find many 5-minute meditations on YouTube.
Establish a Routine
Try establishing a morning routine that consists of anything that suits your body. It can be as simple as making your bed, drinking water first thing in the morning, drinking a matcha latte or a cup of coffee, making a nourishing meal, and taking your vitamins from a trusted company like Zahler. These small little achievements first thing in the morning set the rest of the day up for success.
If you don’t feel like doing any of the above, that is completely okay and natural too. Try to be gentle with yourself and focus on the basics like staying hydrated, nourishing your body, breathing deeply, and sleeping. Take care of yourself and be well!