BLOGGING THE VIEW: Quick and easy tips for easing anxiety at home

No matter who you are or what you’re doing, the global Covid-19 pandemic will undoubtedly insert some form of panic or anxiety into your life, whether you acknowledge it or not.

Sometimes it’s an uncontrollable wave of panic that grips you when you least suspect it.

Often, it’s just a dull sense of dread in the background of life that you just ignore as you go about your day.

Whatever form it takes, it’s important to take control of the anxiety so that you can best deal with the situation at hand.

With the current national lockdown, there is no going for a massage at the nearest salon or enjoying a day walking through a nature reserve, but there are still easy ways to de-stress and lower those anxiety levels at home.

Here’s a look at how:

Exercise

Now don’t roll your eyes and click to the next blog just yet. You’re not expected to start training for the next Comrades Marathon, but rather just partake in some form of physical activity that releases those endorphins and takes the mind away from stress.

Whether it’s yoga, Pilates or running around in a circle, whatever exercise you enjoy, make sure you do it for 30 minutes every day.

Deep breathing

Sometimes the simplest answer is the best one, and deep breathing brings about fast results when anxiety is high.

Deep diaphragmatic breathing activates the body’s relaxation response, switching it from the fight-or-flight response that occurs in the sympathetic nervous system, to a more relaxed response found in the parasympathetic nervous system.

The best way to do this is inhale for four counts, hold for four counts, and then exhale for four counts.

Aromatherapy oils

Fortunately, pharmacies around the country are still open, which means that stress-relieving aromatherapy oils should be available on the shelves.

Smell is a very personal sense, and certain aromatherapy oils work better for others, so it’s best to try a few concoctions before finding the ideal mix.

One aromatherapy oil that has proven to be stress-relieving is lavender, with research showing it reduces the heart rate and enhances sleep over time.

Take a long bath

Another endorphin-releasing activity, submerging in a warm, soothing bath can be therapeutic and reinvigorating because the blood flows to the skin surface.

The warmth and pressure of the water can also improve deep breathing which further eases anxiety.

Add in a few aromatherapy oils and you’ve got the ultimate de-stress apparatus right at home.

Drink herbal tea

There is a wide variety of herbal teas on the market, all of which have health-enhancing benefits, including the ability to ease anxiety and induce sleep.

The process of drinking tea is, in itself, a relaxing undertaking, but some of the herbal teas have quite direct effects on the brain for more fast-acting results.

Chamomile, in particular, is believed to alter the levels of cortisol – a stress-related hormone.

Spend time with pets

Take some time out to just enjoy the company of your four-legged friends.

Research indicates that pets are hugely beneficial to mental health, lowering blood levels and easing anxiety.

Time spent with animals is helpful for the young ones in the family who don’t necessarily understand the current situation, but might be feeling some anxiety themselves.

Unplug

We have been spending a lot of time on screens, taking in a constant barrage of information – true or not – and this is hugely draining on the psyche.

Take some time to just put down the phone and tablet, walk away from the television, and take a break from the onslaught of anxiety-inducing information that we’re receiving 24/7.

These simple measures will go a long way in ensuring you come through these uncertain times a stronger individual, able to cope with whatever the upcoming days may present!

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