I hope you’re all doing well. Times are tricky and it can be really hard to stay calm and positive with this coronavirus creeping up on us. I didn’t realize for a long time, but I have been struggling for the last couple of weeks. Last weekend I finally realized how stressed and anxious I really was, and I have been trying to calm myself down ever since. Obviously with the situation that is an ongoing process, but I wanted to share the things I’m doing with you. So here are 7 things you can do to stay calm.
Filter your media input.
If you have read my article on the one trick to be happy, you know that media can be a killer for your mental health. Especially in these times, when there seems to be even more bad news, it is crucial to filter it or even shut it out completely. I have blocked all news websites and have asked my family to tell me if there is any really big news I have to know. Other than that, I have no idea what’s going on and I much prefer it that way. If you still want to use social media, I recommend you add some of the following to your newsfeed:
- The good news network
- MSN good news feed
- Positive news
- Sunny Skyz
- 10 good news stories
- The happy broadcast (Instagram here)
Also If you’re going to binge on shows and movies, watch comedies to make you smile.
Feed your body the right way.
It is SO easy to start eating a lot of processed, sugary or fatty food claiming that it’s comfort food (trust me, I tried), but while your tastebuds think it’s comforting, your digestive system might think otherwise. Try to keep your body as healthy as possible by focusing on whole foods. Make yourself actual proper meals, and don’t make a meal out of 4 snacks.
From Chinese medicine, it is recommended to eat warm foods as they are easier on the digestive system and better for the respiratory system. They also recommend eating ginger and garlic as they help your immune system and help with bacteria.
Move your body
Ideally, you would be able to go outside. But if you cannot, there are so many youtube channels filled with people dedicated to keep you fit. My personal favourites are Yoga with Adriene, Madfit and Blogilates, but I have also heard/seen good things about Chloe Ting and Sydney Cummings.
If you’re not much of a workout person but want to move a bit and get some endorphins running, have a dance party! There are thousands of Spotify and youtube playlists you can use for this, or create your own.
Relax.
Another important tip to stay calm is to relax. It is easy to give in to the stress, panic and anxiety going around but it is even more important than usual to relax. Give yourself a break. Take time to do fun things and enjoy yourself. If you can go outside, go for a walk. If you have to stay in, there are so many options. Get creative with some paint or a colouring book. You can always look up colouring pages online. Play a board game. Bake some snacks. Do that home workout. Have a self-care day. Read my article on managing your anxiety.
Write it out.
One of the main things that help me stay calm is to write out my worries and concerns. I have written an article about why a journal is great for your mental health, and I really recommend writing in these times. Even if you see it as something temporary, it can really help calm your mind. Writing things down can give your brain some peace as when it’s written down, your brain can let go of some of the worry and anxiety related to it. It’s an easy thing to try out for just 10 minutes a day.
Connect
Even if you’re not able to meet up, this is the perfect time to check in with your friends and family. Phone calls, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger and facetime have been invented for a reason, and this is the perfect time to take advantage of them. You can also connect with strangers over social platforms like Instagram if you want. We’re all in a similar boat here, though some are allowed to move their boats.
Slow down
Take this time to slow down and appreciate all the things you do have. The things you usually take for granted. The freedom you have, the physical proximity and touch we always see as normal and sometimes even annoying.
As all of society and most of our lives are put on pause, make use of it. Don’t try to rush through it. Take time for yourself, read more books, do some yoga, meditate, follow some of the other tips I have written here and enjoy the downtime. We are always in a hurry, and this time is forcing us to slow down. Take it for what it is and make use of it.
So I really hope these tips can help you a little bit. It is a very overwhelming and strange situation, and many of us have never experienced something like this before. But these are the things I have been doing over the last couple of days and they have definitely help me stay calm and feel so much better. If you have any other tips, please leave them in the comments so we can all share them and help each other stay calm.
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