Stress Management is essential for maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional health. Effective stress management can help you deal with anxiety, depression, fear, which otherwise affects your happiness, immune system, and overall quality of life.
The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected our finances, relationships, jobs, and healthcare needs. We no longer have the freedom to go around, visit our friends, or travel wherever we want to. There’s also the added uncertainty around our jobs and businesses. Therefore, the untold hardship, uncertainties, reduced social support, and lack of normal routines have led to increased stress, fear, and anxiety.
We all crave a sense of normalcy and control in our lives. Without it, there is no sense of calm. It’s even worse for some of us have lost our loved ones to the virus, so we can no longer rely on others for anchor during this period.
According to researchers, all these have led to chronic stress, which deteriorates the quality of life on a physical level. When we are more anxious, afraid, or depressed, our immune system goes down, which produces even more stress. All that leads to increased inflammation and reduces our immunity.
It also puts a strain on our productivity, relationships, and mental health. Therefore, we need to make a conscious effort to take care of our health, especially stress. Stress management is essential for our physical and emotional well being. It is crucial in these trying times, as the world deals with the pandemic’s realities.
First, we must not forget to adhere strictly to the recommended guidelines put in place by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These guidelines include frequent hand-washing, physical-distancing, strict cleaning, and respiratory etiquettes. You can find more about these guidelines from the CDC website. These measures will help protect your health and those around you, especially vulnerable people in your community.
Beyond that, there are many other proven methods to control and reduce stress. In this article, we will discuss these fascinating and effective ways to manage stress during the pandemic.
1. Nature as your Anchor for Stress Management
Nature can be an incredible stress reliever, especially during these uncertain times. Studies show that even a 10-minute break in a natural setting can positively impact our physical, emotional, and mental health. Other studies also show that exposure to nature helps us breathe in phytoncides from plants, fighting off infections and diseases.
Nature can also reduce blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate. That shows just how powerful nature can deeply move us. It has such a calming and enchanting effect that brings about a deep sense of peace and happiness, even when our circumstances state differently.
Over 62 percent of adults in the UK are already finding relief from stress by going out of their way to connect with nature.
So, there’s no reason you should be stuck on the fence without reaping these fantastic benefits for yourself.
According to the Mental Health Foundation, exploring a relationship with the natural world can be just the dose of medicine we need to relax and improve our wellbeing. However, if you’re are glued to your computer, TV, or any screen, it might be challenging knowing how to commune with nature.
Check out nine fascinating nature activities you can try to transform your life for the better.
2. Creative Engagement for Stress Management
Connecting with nature is not the only way to manage stress. You can also consider expanding your creative abilities. Studies show that the effects of art on stress and mood are profoundly satisfying and joyous. These effects don’t rely on how talented you are, and most times, it has nothing to do with your creations’ quality. Indulging in creative activities relieves stress through the process and not the outcome.
Indulging your creative brain can provide the right distraction from stressful thoughts and experiences. It can also help you release difficult emotions and allow a specific ‘flow’ revitalizing and restorative. Plus, if you end up with a gorgeous outcome, your joy and happiness increase tremendously. Not sure what creative projects you can enjoy? Here are nine great ideas to try.
Check out nine fascinating creative activities you can try for stress and anxiety management.
3. Build Healthy Habits in Your Daily Life to Fight Stress
Your habits can also either make or break your stress management routines. They can also help you prevent many health conditions associated with stress, such as stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Therefore, you must take care of yourself by maintaining healthy habits. If you’ve not cultivated them yet, the pandemic provides an excellent avenue to start building on those habits.
Healthy habits will also improve your physical appearance and improve your mental health. And once you build these habits into your daily life, you can enjoy a much better perspective of the current happenings and appreciate the positive side of existance.
Here are nine vital, healthy habits you need to cultivate for stress management.
Concluding thoughts on Managing Stress during Covid 19
You must realize that sooner or later, the COVID-19 pandemic will become a thing of the past. This does not mean you have to ride it out with buckets of fear, worry, and anxiety.
Please take advantage of the different stress management techniques and get rid of all of them. It is essential to look to the future with a renewed perspective. All of that comes from revitalizing yourself by integrating great habits.
Avoid worrying about the future because such habits can distract you from focusing on what you can control. This, in turn, leads to chronic stress and anxiety. Make sure to take a deliberate step today to reduce and manage stress. Build healthier habits, expand your creative abilities, and reconnect with nature. We must take great care of our mental health to prepare for better days ahead.
DISCLAIMER: Medical conditions cannot be treated, cured, or diagnosed by the practice of meditation, yoga, exercises, or using apps. These things at best can be complementary to a health care plan monitored by a qualified health professional.
Zen Lounge helps create an ambiance for relaxing the mind and practicing mindfulness meditation. The app is simple and easy to operate and comes with mood music which can be mixed with nature and atmosphere sounds. Download an try the free version:
