With the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest demonstrations going on all around us, falling into bouts of stress and anxiety is becoming a reality for millions of people across North America, and I’m definitely one of them!
Whether you lost your job, had to suddenly homeschool your children while working, or just got overwhelmed by constant bad news, it’s only natural that so many of us felt overwhelmed by life in recent months.
And of course, even when society is running smoothly, the average person often has to deal with the stress of work, unexpected expenses, or problems with friends and family.
That’s why making sure mental health and well-being is a top priority is a must!
Sometimes it only takes a small change to help a person deal with stress and anxiety. The next time you feel like your life might be out of control, try one of these coping mechanisms for stress to help you feel more relaxed:
1. Talk To Someone
In many cases, a person that’s feeling overwhelmed really just needs a shoulder to cry on. Whether it be your mom or your BFF, having someone to talk to who actually listens can be a great help.
When you feel stressed, don’t be scared to reach out. More often than not, loved ones will be willing to listen and provide any advice they can share.
If you don’t have someone you can confide in, consider talking with a therapist or professional.
To ensure that you’re keeping yourself safe while getting the help you need, consider online therapy platforms like BetterHelp, which allow you to video chat and get advice while maintaining social distancing.
2. Meditate
Mediating is becoming a bit of a lost art in our fast-paced world. Just sitting alone with your thoughts can be extremely difficult…especially in the age of technology, where we always have media and entertainment at the tips of our fingers.
However, practicing daily meditation and mindfulness can actually provide natural highs, rewire your brain, and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety.
To practice mindfulness, it’s best to start off slow.
This means giving yourself just five or ten minutes to get away from the world. As you continue, give yourself more time for each session to reflect on your thoughts and feelings.
To practice mindfulness and meditate correctly, place yourself in a room with limited distractions.
Sit on a yoga mat, your bed, or a comfortable seat, and close your eyes. When thoughts pop in your head, accept them for what they are and let them pass like a moving train.
Harping on the past can increase stress and anxiety. It’s important to let any negative emotions or feelings go and to think of constructive actions you can take in the future.
3. Try CBD Products
While serious cases of anxiety may require prescription medication, mild or occasional cases may benefit from a natural remedy, such as CBD oil.
CBD is becoming an extremely popular natural remedy for a plethora of ailments, including depression, stress, anxiety, chronic pain, inflammation, and so much more.
What’s great about CBD is that even though it’s derived from cannabis plants, you can choose products that don’t contain THC, which is the psychoactive element that’s responsible for the high of traditional cannabis.
Depending on your preferences, there are numerous CBD products you can choose from, including CBD edibles, CBD gummies, or even CBD-infused beverages.
Just make sure to check the product descriptions to ensure the products contain levels of CBD you’re comfortable with.
4. Relax With a Massage
If extra stress has you feeling tense all over, consider getting a massage to help drain that tension away.
Visiting a massage therapist may or may not be possible where you live, but a great alternative is a massage chair! After making the initial investment, you’ll be able to enjoy full-body relaxation any time you need it!
Visit the Human Touch website to check out some of the great massage chairs available, and consider adding one to your home!
While these are some of the more simple and well-known ways to combat stress and anxiety, they’re a great starting point to help a person purge negative feelings and bring back some control.
Once you’ve seen what works for you, expand on it by adding some other stress-busting activities like exercising, starting a journal, or even just reading a book.
And if your anxiety feels like it’s seriously affecting your quality of life, make sure to reach out to a trained medical professional. Getting help when you need it is the best decision you can make for your overall well-being.
Interesting article, thanks for the information.
Great article thanks for the advice.