This blog post will share 10 tips for staying calm during these uncertain times to keep your sanity intact. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath, relax, and read on to discover our top 10 tips for staying calm during these unprecedented times.
1) Understand your triggers
It's easy to become overwhelmed and stressed out during uncertain times. One of the best things you can do to help manage your stress is to take a moment to understand what triggers your anxiety and stress.
Take some time to reflect on what situations, thoughts, or events cause your stress. What are the common themes? Is it feeling overwhelmed with tasks or being overwhelmed by the unknown? Do you find yourself worrying about the future? Identifying your triggers and developing strategies to help manage them is essential.
Once you have identified your triggers, ask yourself how to respond better. Is there a way to shift your mindset? Can you find a new perspective that helps to alleviate the stress? It is essential to take a step back from the situation and look at it objectively. Find ways to challenge negative thought patterns and reframe the situation positively.
Take time for yourself and engage in activities like reading, watching a movie, or even walking. Creating a sense of calm in your environment can also be helpful. Spend time organizing your space and decorating it with things that bring you joy and relaxation. You can also create a list of activities that help you de-stress.
By understanding your triggers and finding ways to manage them, you will be better equipped to handle the stress and anxiety of these unprecedented times.
2) Identify your support system
Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential during these unprecedented times. One way to do this is to identify your support system. Having a solid social network can be an invaluable tool in managing anxiety and stress.
Whether it's family, friends, or even online support groups, having a group of people you can rely on for emotional support can be a great source of comfort. Reach out and let them know how you feel, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed.
“The most beautiful thing in this world is to see your loved ones smiling.” – Unknown
3) Get moving
Taking care of your physical and mental health is essential to stay calm and relaxed. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce stress, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. Here are some easy ways to get moving and find some relief from the stress of everyday life:
- Take a brisk walk around your neighbourhood or a local park. The fresh air and gentle movement will help you feel calmer and more at ease.
- Get outside and do some gardening. Digging in the dirt and tending to plants can be very therapeutic.
- Join an online yoga class or follow a yoga tutorial on YouTube. Moving your body and connecting with your breath can be incredibly calming.
- Participate in a virtual workout class. Not only will this help you get your heart rate up and burn off some stress, but it will also be a great way to stay connected with others.
- Try some simple stretching exercises. Stretching can help release tension from your body and help you relax.
- Go for a bike ride or rollerblade around your neighbourhood. Being active outdoors is a great way to clear your head and forget your worries.
- Go for a swim at your local pool or lake. Swimming is a great way to burn calories, release endorphins, and leave you feeling energized and refreshed.
- Take a dance class. Letting loose and moving your body to music can significantly reduce stress and lift your mood. You can take it online or in person if you're comfortable doing so.
- Head out for a hike in nature. Surrounding yourself with nature has been shown to have calming effects on the mind and body.
- Sign up for a martial arts class like karate, judo, or taekwondo. Practising martial arts is a great way to channel stress into physical activity and learn valuable skills for self-defence.
4) Limit your news consumption
Between the increasing number of crises and the constant updates in the news, our stress levels are skyrocketing. While staying informed and aware is essential, it's also important to be mindful of how much news we consume.
Limiting your news consumption is one of the best ways to stay calm during these difficult times. It can be easy to get sucked into the constant flow of updates, but staying updated every hour of the day can be taxing on your mental health. Take time daily to check in on the news, but avoid overwhelming yourself with information.
Limiting your exposure to news outlets that are more sensationalized can also be beneficial. Stick with trusted sources that provide factual information and avoid those that tend to sensationalize their reporting.
Finally, remember to take breaks from the news. Turn off your TV and step away from your computer for a while. Take this time to focus on activities that bring you joy and help you relax, such as reading a book or walking outside. This will help you keep your mind off all the stress and worry of staying informed during these uncertain times.
5) Practice deep breathing exercises
It's essential to take care of our mental and physical health; one way to do that is to practice deep breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help to calm the mind and body, reducing stress and anxiety. Here are some tips to get you started:
- Find a comfortable position. Sitting or lying down is best, with your spine straight and your neck and shoulders relaxed.
- Start by breathing deeply through your nose, expanding your abdomen as you inhale. Aim to take a slow, steady breath that fills your lungs from bottom to top.
- Hold your breath briefly, then slowly exhale through your mouth. As you exhale, focus on releasing any tension in your body.
- Repeat the process for several minutes, keeping your breathing slow and even.
- To enhance your deep breathing practice, you can add visualization. Imagine yourself in a peaceful place—a beach, a forest, or wherever else helps you feel relaxed—while you inhale and exhale.
- When you're finished, take a few moments to appreciate how relaxed you feel.
Practicing deep breathing exercises is easy, and they can help you bring yourself back into balance during hectic times. Try it out and see how it works for you!
6) Make time for yourself every day
It's essential to reserve time for yourself every day to stay grounded and balanced.
One of the best things you can do is make sure to dedicate time each day to checking in with yourself. This could be anything from a leisurely walk to reading a book or just taking a few minutes to sit silently and reflect. Doing this lets you remember what truly matters and appreciate the simple things. It's also an opportunity to observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment, giving you a better perspective on your stressful situation.
On days when you can, try taking a bit longer for yourself and do something calming like yoga, journaling, or breathing exercises. These practices help bring awareness to the body and mind, which can help alleviate stress and give you the clarity needed to face difficult situations. Taking time for yourself is also an opportunity to connect with yourself deeper, allowing you to identify what brings you joy and comfort.
Carving out time for yourself daily can help you navigate the current chaotic landscape better. Not only will you be more productive, but you will also be better able to stay calm during these unprecedented times.
As Roman philosopher, Seneca said: “It’s not that we have a short time to live, but that we waste a lot of it.”
Make sure to reserve time for yourself daily to stay grounded and balanced.
7) Journal your thoughts
One of the best ways to do this is by journaling your thoughts. Journaling is a great way to track your thoughts and feelings over time. Writing down what you're feeling can help you recognize patterns in your emotions and make sense of them. You can also record your accomplishments and successes, which can be empowering and motivating. Plus, it gives you an outlet for your emotions, so you don't have to keep them all bottled up.
It doesn't matter what kind of journaling you do; the important thing is that you're taking the time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. You can write down your worries, focus on gratitude, list your goals, or even doodle if that works for you. No matter what kind of journaling you do, it will help to calm and relax you during these turbulent times. So take time to document your thoughts and feelings each day – it can make all the difference.
8) Connect with nature
The hustle and bustle of everyday life can often be overwhelming, especially during uncertainty. To help manage stress, it can be beneficial to connect with nature. Nature can restore and rejuvenate the body and mind and is a great way to give yourself some peace of mind in these tumultuous times. Here are some simple ways to reconnect with nature and achieve a sense of calm:
- Take a walk in the park. Going for a walk in the garden is an easy way to get in touch with nature. Enjoy the fresh air, take in the sights, sounds and smells around you, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
- Go for a hike. Hiking is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience nature's healing power. Whether you go alone or with friends, taking a hike will help clear your mind and boost your mood.
- Practice yoga outdoors. Many people practice yoga indoors, but if you can, find an outdoor spot to do your practice. Doing yoga outdoors can help you focus on your breathing and tap into the energy of nature.
- Plant a garden. If you have the space, consider starting a garden. Gardening is incredibly calming and rewarding as you watch your plants grow and blossom over time.
- Spend time with animals. Animals have a unique way of bringing joy and comfort to those around them. If you don't have a pet, consider visiting a local farm or shelter to spend time with animals.
Connecting with nature is a great way to relax and recharge during these hectic times. Whether you take a walk, hike, practice yoga outside, plant a garden, or spend time with animals, make sure to set aside time each day to enjoy the healing power of nature.
9) Help others
In these uncertain times, it's more important than ever to take care of ourselves and find ways to manage our stress. However, helping others can also be a great way to lift our spirits and even help us calm down. There are a few ways we can make a difference in the lives of those around us.
- Reach out to a friend or family member: Showing compassion and providing emotional support to those around us can be a great way to help relieve stress for both parties. A simple phone call or text message can mean a lot to someone feeling overwhelmed.
- Offer to volunteer in your community: Many communities need volunteers to assist with providing essential services such as delivering meals or assisting at shelters. Consider donating your time or resources to help those in need.
- Spread positive vibes online: Social media has become essential daily, so why not use it for good? Encouraging words, uplifting quotes, or inspirational stories can help to remind others that they're not alone in this difficult time.
- Donate to a cause you believe in. Making a financial contribution to organizations fighting for the causes you believe in is a great way to support and help bring about change.
By taking the time to help those around us, we can create a more peaceful and secure environment for everyone. If you're looking for ways to stay calm and relaxed during these unprecedented times, consider lending a helping hand.
10) Seek professional help if needed
Plenty of mental health professionals can offer advice and support in times of difficulty. Counseling, therapy, and support groups are all options that can help you cope with the current situation. Some online therapy programs are available, so you don't have to leave home.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty managing your stress, you must speak up and seek help. You don't have to do it alone. Talking to a professional can help you identify unhealthy coping mechanisms, gain insight into your feelings, and develop more effective strategies for dealing with stress.
No matter how small the problem may seem, it's always better to seek help than to struggle alone. Mental health professionals are available to listen and provide support. Feel free to reach out when you need it.
