Here’s what to do when you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed this lockdown:
There’s really nothing like a pandemic to send your anxiety through the roof. Staying indoors 24/7 and patiently waiting to be vaccinated while Ms Rona is on the loose, is definitely a recipe for anxiety-filled disaster. So if like the rest of us, you’re struggling to keep calm and carry on during lockdown, here are 10 fool-proof ways to reduce your anxiety.
SEE ALSO: 10 Things We’re All Guilty Of Doing During Lockdown
1. Read a gripping book
When the world gets a little too much to bear, picking up a gripping novel and escaping to a world where Covid-19 doesn’t exist is a great place to start. We may not be able to travel right now, but we can definitely venture to a literary land far far away. If you’re in need of a recommendation, here’s every book that the Secret Media team were addicted to in 2020.
2. Get some fresh air
Yes, we are currently under a national lockdown but daily exercise is still permitted. While we don’t recommend travelling out of your neighbourhood, stepping outside to stretch your legs in your local area is well within your rights. Whether you go on a short walk, visit a nearby park or even just relax in your garden or balcony (if you’re lucky enough to have one), there’s no doubt that the fresh air and change of environment will help to clear your mind.
3. Avoid the news
While a lot of us can’t bear the thought of missing any important lockdown, quarantine or vaccine-related updates, watching the news round the clock is definitely up there with the most stress-inducing pastimes. So every now and then, spare yourself of the unsettling news and instead, tune into something light-hearted that won’t fill you dread for the foreseeable future. If you’re after some suggestions, here are 53 unmissable series and movies new to Netflix this January.
4. Watch a horror movie
Okay, hear me out… You may not think of horror movies as the obvious antidote to anxiety but research has shown otherwise. According to Dr Jocelyn McDonnell of Northwestern University, “Exposure therapy is a therapy that exposes clients to their feared stimuli with the idea of teaching the client they can handle the perceived theat and that the fear is likely not as bad as they thought it would be.” So if you’re struggling with anxiety during lockdown the third – and I think it is safe to say that most of us are, then horror movies may actually be the answer.
5. Take a deep breath
Don’t underestimate the power of breathing – it can do wonders. If you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed, get into the habit of taking some time out of each day to simply breathe. It may sound redundant but there’s actually a big difference between breathing and breathing deeply. Get comfortable, drown out the world around you and take in as many deep breaths as you need until you feel your heart rate lower and your body relax.
6. Dance like nobody’s watching
There’s truly no greater feeling that whacking on your favourite playlist and dancing like nobody’s watching. I should specify, you don’t need to actually dance well – just put on your metaphorical dancing shoes and have a one-person party. This is a quick and easy way to release some endorphins and immediately improve your mood. If you have two left feet or simply prefer other forms of exercise, there are also a bunch of online workouts that will do the trick, including Joe Wicks’ iconic fitness classes.
7. Talk to a good friend
Having a good old heart to heart with a close friend or family member will almost always make things better. Whether you choose to open up about your anxieties or have a light-hearted conversation, these catch-ups really do take the edge off of lockdown life. And if you’re partial to a Zoom call or FaceTime, make the experience even more personal and catch up face-to-face!
8. Find a new hobby
Another way to calm your anxieties is to find a brand new hobby. Having something new and fun to focus on will keep you occupied during these long lockdown days and you’ll have a new skill under your belt when house arrest is finally over. Two birds, one stone if you ask me. Why not try your hand at baking, cooking, painting, sewing, gardening, coding or even scrapbooking?
9. Light a scented candle
Aromatherapy is known to help relieve anxiety, so treat yourself to some scented candles and essential oils this lockdown. Don’t wait until you’re running a bath to light a candle, whenever you feel stressed fill your surroundings with these calming aromas and feel yourself slowly unwind. Lavender, vanilla and peppermint are some of the most popular scents and for good reason, they’ll have you feeling relaxed in no time.
10. Allow yourself to feel crap (we’re in a pandemic)
It’s all well and good to try and stay positive and productive during these uncertain times but let’s not forget, we’re living through an actual pandemic. So if (or when) you feel a little disheartened, lethargic or even angry, that’s ok too. Give yourself some credit for getting through one of the hardest years in history and don’t beat yourself up if you are having a tough time. From the bottom of my heart – you’re doing amazing sweetie!