Hanging out at home may seem like an easy task, but sheltering in place can cause anxiety and stress for many of us. Do you want to let go of your stress, but don’t know where to start? I’m here for you!
Below are my top 3 tips to ease your stress levels by incorporating more calm and connection to the outside world without leaving the house.
Stay in Touch Virtually
Social interaction is paramount to emotional wellbeing, even if you’re an introvert or love alone time. You don’t have to stop talking to everyone just because you’re at home. Schedule a coffee chat with your best friend on FaceTime. Get your family together for brunch on Skype. Connect with your colleagues for a virtual happy hour on Zoom – drinks and all. Whatever you did before quarantine, cultivate a similar experience online to keep in touch.
Connect with Nature
Studies show that you don’t have to be outside to reap the benefits of nature’s relaxing vibes. Viewing outdoor scenes or listening to nature sounds helps calm the nervous system. If you can get outdoors, do it. Read a book on your patio, have a picnic in your backyard, or spruce up your garden. Otherwise, bring the outdoors inside. Print a gorgeous landscape and hang it on your wall. Make a waterfall or beach picture your desktop or phone background. Listen to a recording of wind blowing through the trees during your work. Tune into the part of nature that sparks joy in you and draw that into your space.
Let Go of Stress
I want you to find a stress reliever that works and is also enjoyable. Otherwise, you probably won’t keep doing it. As we all know, stress doesn’t just vanish and never come back. We have to cultivate a stress management toolkit to help find calm and presence when we need it.
Here are my favorite tools to manage stress
- Movement can be a great way to let go of excess stress and remove stagnation in the body. Try to get at least 30 minutes of movement that feels beneficial for your body each day. Online videos and virtual sessions can help you keep up with yoga, Pilates, dance, and more.
- Meditation helps reduce stress, build resiliency in the brain, and improve our emotional response with consistent practice. If clearing your mind sounds impossible, think about it this way: meditation focuses the mind on what you want, instead of letting it wander to any and every thought.
- Journaling allows you to let go of thoughts and emotions that no longer serve you and integrate more positive patterns into daily life. Gratitude lists are a form of journaling that helps focus the mind on all of the joyful things happening, instead of the negative. Simply jot down 3-5 things you’re grateful for once a day for a week and notice if anything changes for you.
Now, tune in to see where you need the most support right now – stress relief, connection to people, or a connection with the outside world. Choose at least one of my tips above to try out this week. Notice how you feel once you’re done and keep moving towards more calm and connection.
