Over the past couple of months, our entire lives have been turned upside down.
Whether we find ourselves working remotely, taking care of the kids or trying to occupy ourselves, everyone is learning to adapt to a new way of life.
Unfortunately, this drastic change in routine and the physical inability to see friends and family members has meant that many of us are experiencing increased feelings of stress and anxiety.
To help you find a moment of calm amongst the chaos, this article will be taking you through three things you can do (from your own home) which will enable you to reduce your anxiety and stress levels.
Cook A Healthy Meal
Many mental health experts are now promoting the positive benefits of cooking as studies have shown it can help to relieve depression and anxiety. The therapeutic nature of chopping, stirring and creating has been attributed to having a positive effect on our mental wellbeing, allowing us to feel happier and more relaxed. For some of us, cooking can feel a little daunting, so start off simple. Making a smoothie can be an easy way to experiment with flavours whilst keeping cooking catastrophes to a minimum.
A 2014 study also found that the smell of citrus fruits can naturally reduce stress levels, so why not try this grapefruit smoothie recipe below…
Ingredients
1 grapefruit peeled, seeded and chopped
2 cups of frozen mixed berries
1 sweet apple seeded and chopped
1 inch of fresh ginger peeled and chopped
1 to 2 cups of filtered water
2 Simone Thomas Wellness Super Green Capsules (optional)
Method
- Add all the ingredients into your blender and blitz at a high-speed for 10-15 seconds
- Add a large handful of ice
- Add 2 Simone Thomas Wellness Super Greens (empty powder out of the casing)
- Put the top back on your blender and blitz for 10 seconds
Do Some Tidying
You may have heard the expression “a tidy space means a tidy mind”... well it’s true! Many studies have shown how tidying up your work and living space can help you regain mental clarity whilst also reducing anxiety and nervousness.
One 2010 study even found that people living in cluttered homes were more likely to be fatigued and depressed whereas people whose homes were more organised, had higher levels of happiness and better mental wellbeing.
When you’re stuck at home all day with no visitors it can be easy to overlook clutter, which is why it can be helpful to dedicate 30 minutes to an hour to cleaning and tidying each day. This breaks it down into manageable chunks, helping you to keep on top of things! Here are a few ideas to get you started…
- Tidy out your wardrobe and get rid of any unwanted clothes
- Give your bathroom a blitz and declutter your bathroom cabinet
- Declutter your desk and disinfect your laptop, phone and any surfaces
- Organise your kitchen cupboards and drawers
Get Active
Whether it’s an online yoga class, a quick HIIT session in the garden or an outdoor walk, exercise is one of the best things you can do to boost your mood! This is because physical exercise increases endorphin levels, a chemical better known as our ‘happy hormone’.
A study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%. With gyms being closed and our opportunity to go outside for runs and walks extremely limited it can be difficult to partake in regular exercise. But fear not, this just means we have to get creative.
Take a look at some of the best yoga and exercise Youtube channels below:
Best For All Levels: Joe Wicks (The Body Coach)
Best For Variety: POPSUGAR Fitness
Best For Abs: Chloe Tring
Best For Yoga: Yoga With Adriene
Best For Yoga & Workouts (combined!): Shona Vertue
Best For Yoga (for kids!): Cosmic Kids Yoga
This is an extremely uncertain time which can evoke strong feelings in many of us, but the key is to remain positive and proactive.
If you need any help or guidance please feel free to join my Facebook group, where I’m hosting regular Facebook Live videos to answer any of your questions.