As the entire world is in the middle of the global pandemic, millions of people have found themselves in the middle of a health crisis as well. When we say that, we think about both physical and mental health. If you belong to a group of people struggling with mental health issues, be sure to keep on reading because we have some useful tips on how to relieve stress and anxiety. Just check them out and improve your mental health in 2021!
Stay physically active
Did you know that exercising is one of the best ways to successfully deal with stress? That’s right, which is exactly why you should try to stay as physically active as possible. The reasons for that are more than good, and the most important one is that exercising can lower your body’s stress hormones – with cortisol in the first place. This is particularly true in the long run, which is why you should do your best to stay physically active. Apart from that, exercising releases endorphins – chemicals that boost our mood and act as natural painkillers. Do we even have to say that working out can improve your sleep quality, too? Not really, so don’t wait any longer and choose an activity according to your current fitness level and overall health condition. Success is guaranteed!
Give meditation a try
Meditation is another amazing stress reliever you should try. Apart from instant, short-term stress relief, it has long-term stress management benefits as well. That is exactly what makes it worth your attention. You should know that there are many different forms of meditation you can opt for. Of course, each one is unique and has its own advantages. When it comes to mindfulness meditation, it’s all about paying attention to breathing. You should pay attention to every breath that goes in and out because that is how you will learn to remain in the present moment. Aside from improving your focus, this will also lower your stress levels and help you connect with yourself with more success. Just give meditation a fair shot and you won’t regret it! Meditation comes in many forms, and for each individual, meditating can mean different things. Something as simple as taking a break from what you are doing can be a form of meditation. Find your own calm.
Enjoy aromatherapy
In case you didn’t know, aromatherapy is based on using scents to treat your mood. Numerous studies have shown that aromatherapy can improve sleep and decrease anxiety, so make sure to give it a try. Burning a scented candle is the first step you should take. There is a wide range of scented candles available on the market, and the best thing is that you don’t have to break the bank to get the ones you like most. However, remember that certain scents are more soothing than others. The most calming one undoubtedly is lavender. It promotes calmness and wellness and reduces stress, anxiety, and even mild pain. Chamomile is extremely effective when it comes to stress relief, too, as well as sandalwood, rose, bergamot, ylang-ylang, geranium, and orange blossom. Try out these scents and you’ll see a fantastic improvement!
Get a weighted blanket
Millions of people from all across the world simply can’t live without their weighted blankets. These are said to relieve stress and improve your sleeping habits. Some experts say that weighted blankets can also be helpful to people with anxiety, insomnia, and autism, which are the benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. Did you know that anxiety is the most common mental health condition in Australia? If you feel like everyday stress is taking a toll on your overall well-being, too, it’s about time you got a quality weighted blanket. These usually weigh between 5 and 30 pounds, so start with a weight you find most comfortable. The pressure from the extra weight imitates a therapeutic technique called deep pressure stimulation. Find the best weighted blanket in Australia and you’ll see what we were talking about!
Eat a balanced diet
Last but certainly not least, a well-balanced diet is absolutely vital when it comes to staying healthy and lowering your stress levels. This is particularly true if you’re an emotional eater who reaches for high-fat, high-sugar foods that provide a temporary sense of relief. However, this can bring more harm than good – especially in the long run. It’s because refined carbs cause a dramatic spike in blood sugar. Once it crashes, you’re highly likely to experience more stress and anxiety, which is the last thing you want, right? To prevent that, be sure to embrace a healthy diet based mostly on protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and fresh fruits and veggies. Eggs, walnuts, and avocados are just some of the foods that will support energy balance and mood regulation. Don’t skip them and you’ll love the outcome!
As you can see, relieving stress and anxiety doesn’t have to be as challenging as you probably thought. Of course, no one says that it’s super easy. However, you can accomplish it if you’re willing to make necessary changes and improve your well-being. If that is your main goal, just stick to our tips and you’ll make it happen. That’s a promise!
Jasmine Anderson is a Sydney based lifestyle blogger and a toddler mom. She loves to spend quality time with her family, go thrifting, and spend just a little bit too much time on
the internet. https://twitter.com/AndersonJess_AJ
More resources on the topic can be found here