The coronavirus global pandemic has uprooted our lives, and led to many dramatic shifts and changes. With all of this unpredictability, along with concerns for our health and safety, many of us are experiencing stress and anxiety surrounding the COVID-19. Research tells us that most of us are experiencing some kind of stress related to COVID-19. Parents are anxious about their children, many adults are stressed about the official response to COVID-19, and many of us are concerned about the economic impacts. If you’re feeling any of these things, or any other kind of stress and anxiety, know that you’re definitely not alone. But also know that there are ways to handle those feelings. Here are six ways to combat stress during COVID-19.
1. Exercise regularly
Because of the need to work from home and practice social distancing, most of us are moving a lot less than usual. Not only that, but many gyms and group fitness classes are not open, making it harder to keep moving. But movement is important for combatting stress, and exercise is directly related to stress reduction.
2. Drink plenty of water
Drinking water and staying properly hydrated is important for our health overall, and can reduce headaches and muscle cramps. But aside from that, water can actually help you combat stress. Studies tell us that when we’re dehydrated, our bodies produce more cortisol, which is known as “the stress hormone.”
3. Make sure you’re receiving adequate nutrition
Our nutrition plays a big role in our stress levels. If we’re not receiving the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals, we may feel stressed.
Plus, certain vitamins and minerals can help us feel more calm. Specifically, two vitamin and mineral supplements are great for helping with stress: Enhanced Stress Relief by Life Extension, and Stress B-Complex, by Twinlab. Enhanced Stress Relief by Life Extension uses lemon balm and L-Theanine, which are shown to help promote sleep, relaxation, and other calming effects. Stress B-Complex by Twinlab helps you fight stress with vitamins B and C. It also helps boost your immune system, and natural energy production. Both of these supplements are available at HiLife Vitamins.
4. Eat in a way that best serves your body
“Healthy eating” is a catchall phrase, that really doesn’t mean the same thing for everybody. But to reduce stress, especially during this time, make sure you’re taking steps to take care of your body.
Loading up on junk foods will lead to energy crashes and blood sugar spikes, which may contribute to a feeling of stress.
5. Adopt mindfulness practices
Staying calm and combating anxiety is not something that we’re necessarily taught, but there are definitely tools to help us get there. Mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises or meditation, can be very helpful at helping combat stress.
6. Spend time with loved ones
We’re very social creatures, and COVID-19 has been a very isolating time for many of us. Spending time with friends and loved ones can help reduce stress and help you stay grounded. Make time for the people in your life, who can help you get through this time.
