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We all worry and get upset from time to time. It’s a normal part of life, right? But what happens when that anxiety or stress takes over, and you can’t calm down? Being able to calm yourself in the moment is often easier said than done. Here are some helpful, actionable tips you can try the next time you need to calm down. Breathe Breathing is the number one and most effective technique for reducing stress and anxiety quickly. Taking long, deep calming breaths disrupts that loop and helps you calm down. Think it through “Will this matter to me this time next week?” or “How important is this?” or “Am I going to allow this person/situation to steal my peace?” Listen to music: Listening to music can have a very calming effect on your body and mind. Relax your body When you’re anxious or stressed, it can feel like every muscle in your body is tense. Practicing progressive muscle relaxation can help you calm down and center yourself. Write it down: If you’re too anxious to talk about it, grab a journal and write out your thoughts. Get some fresh air The temperature and air circulation in a room can increase your anxiety or stress. Drop your shoulders: If your body is tense, there’s a good chance your posture will suffer. Sit up tall, take a deep breath, and drop your shoulders. Identify pressure points to calm stress and anxiety Going for a massage or getting acupuncture is a wonderful way to manage anxiety and anger.
Shop Smart When it comes to shopping during this time, it is important to be organized, especially when it comes to eating enough fruits and vegetables. Buy a combination of fresh, frozen, and canned to last you at least a week or more. Consume fresh products first and rinse canned vegetables to reduce the sodium. Manage Stress It's more important than ever to find ways to conquer stress and manage anxiety. We know, it is not easy. Balancing homeschooling, financial challenges, cabin fever, social isolation and illness is stressful. However, stress can contribute to poor eating choices and increase fat deep in your belly that can contribute to health issues. Sleep Right Both excess sleep and inadequate sleep have been linked to weight gain and increased appetite. Try to stay on a relatively normal sleep schedule. Avoid excess alcohol before bed, keeping your room as dark as possible and at about 65 degrees Fahrenheit and exercising regularly. Also, turn off the news and put down your phones in the hours before bed. Move More Spending so much time at home has another unforeseen consequence. You are burning far fewer calories going about your daily life than you were pre-quarantine. Sitting at the computer for hours, doing Zoom meetings, work calls, binge-watching television, along with shopping and socializing online, easily all add up to several hundred fewer calories burned per day. It is essential to incorporate more movement every day.
