For the average human, 2020 was probably the most stressful time they’ve seen in their lifetime. The year began with news about the possibility of war and a continent burning. Plus, a novel infectious disease that started spreading in China. What followed was a global pandemic, economic downturn, and lockdowns around the globe. And now, when the first big wave of the pandemic seems to pass, we have other news to be stressful about: the ongoing protests in the US.
Spending the last few months mostly inside, with little more than TV, streaming, and games from live casinos India was stressful enough. The anxiety of possibly contracting a disease that has no cure, no vaccine, just adds fuel to the fire. While the lockdowns may soon end in many areas, the stress remains. But there are ways in which you can fight it, reduce it, and avoid its lasting effects.
Aromatherapy
Surrounding yourself with the right fragrances can be truly helpful in times of stress. There are many essential oils that, when put in a diffuser, have a calming effect on your mind. The essential oil of sandalwood is known to reduce anxiety, lavender is known to promote relaxation, bergamot, neroli, orange, and citrus fruits, in general, are known to help you cheer up, and sage is a great fragrance to reduce stress and anxiety.
Exercise
“A healthy mind in a healthy body”, the old saying goes. And this is not just a saying – it has been proven by science, too.
Exercise has a calming, stress-reducing effect on your body. No matter if it’s just a long walk in the park or a gym session that makes you sweat big time – it will calm your mind, reduce your anxiety, and make you feel better in the process.
A healthy diet
This one goes hand in hand with the one above. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals has been shown to be an effective way to fight stress. Eating enough, in turn, works both ways: stress tends to cause us to eat way more than usual, which can also harm our health.
When in stress, make sure to control the portions you eat and cook healthy, nutritious meals to keep your body – and mind – healthy. Also, avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol – these, too, are known to contribute to stress and anxiety.
Avoid the news
Finally, a vital means of fighting stress in these trying times: avoid the news as much as possible. And this doesn’t only mean not reading newspapers or not tuning in to a news channel but also keeping away, as much as possible, from social media as well, where real news and fearmongering form a truly lethal combination.
Finally, don’t worry: this, too, shall pass.