A global pandemic, civil unrest, political warfare, wildfires, mass unemployment, and millions of lives lost. That’s a lot for the average person to deal with on top of their personal circumstances. As you might imagine, dealing with this type of pressure for weeks and months at a time can weigh on a person’s emotional well-being. Though you cannot control or change what’s happening in LA and around the world, you can manage how it impacts you mentally.
Feeling stressed, anxious, and depressed is your body’s natural response to the chaotic series of events that have taken place. While usual, experiencing this level of emotional overwhelm for too long can cause your mind and body to break down. Preventing such an outcome means learning how to recenter yourself when you’re stressed. It’s not always easy, but here are some tips to help you out.
Laugh More
Sometimes, the best way to reduce stress is laughter. Instead of focusing on what’s happening in the world, find something to laugh about. You can watch a funny video, tv show, movie, or comedy special. Hang with your kids and laugh at how funny and carefree they are. Call up a friend and share a few jokes or reminisce about some hilarious moments from your past. As long as you’re laughing, you’ll find that it’s hard to stress.
Meditate
When you find that your head is overwhelmed with thoughts, take a moment, and meditate. Head to a quiet space, close your eyes, and take deep breaths in and out. Focus on your breathing and pay attention to the sounds and smells around you. Try to release that negative energy and replace it with positive thoughts as you return to your day.
Start Your Day Relaxed
Your morning sets the tone for the rest of your day. If you wake up in a rush and jump right into your day, you’ll feel overwhelmed by the afternoon. So, start your day relaxed. Wake up early, meditate, take a shower, complete your skincare routine, and get dressed. Then, head to the kitchen for a cup of coffee from your favorite online coffee subscription and a healthy breakfast. By maintaining this practice, you’ll find that you have the mental and physical strength to handle the stresses of current times.
Be Mindful of Media Exposure
While staying on top of current events through news and other media sources is necessary during these times, it doesn’t have to be a lengthy process. The more you hear about the chaos and drama going on, the easier it is to trigger stress and anxiety. Try to limit your exposure to news, social media, and other outlets that cause emotional overwhelm by setting a schedule. Perhaps you listen to the news in the morning, browse social media during your lunch break, and then unplug in the evening.
Do Things You Enjoy
Life is too short to spend it worrying about things you can’t control. If you find that you’re stressed lately, perhaps it’s time to invest in your happiness. Think of things that you and enjoy and incorporate them into your day. Whether it’s taking a dance class or reading a good book, the idea is to tune the world out and tune into yourself.
Daily Self-Care
Last but not least, keeping stress at bay means taking care of yourself. Despite how your routines and everyday life may have changed, ensure that you’re prioritizing your wellbeing. Eat well-balanced meals, exercise, practice good hygiene, design your room and bedding for plenty of sleep and do more of what you enjoy. Essentially, when you feel good inside and out, it’s easier to let the stress go.
It’s a shame that the world seems to be in complete disarray right now. While you can’t ignore all that’s happening, allowing things you cannot control to take up too much space in your life isn’t ideal. As you continue to navigate these uncertain times, remember tips like those described above to keep stress to a minimum.
