COVID-19 has caused a time of change for us all. If you are dealing with stress, know you are not alone! Here are a few tools you can use to alleviate stress and feel your best.
We need to be aware of ourselves. How are we feeling? Do we feel stress coming on? Do we have that feeling in our stomach that signals stress is coming or is already here? Is our breathing shallow? Are we experiencing headaches from stress? Are we emotional eating or have we lost our appetite? How are we sleeping?
When we are aware of our body’s signals to stress, we can take action to alleviate it and calm our minds and bodies.
The first tool is our breath! How we use our breath is powerful! Here is a simple, yet powerful way to use your breath to alleviate stress. Inhale slow, counting. Then exhale twice as long as you inhale. Repeat 12 times. This signals your body to relax and to know not to panic. The more we practice this breathing (or other breathing techniques), the sooner we can relax when stress is approaching.
Another tool to alleviate stress is when we take the time to check in and breathe, also take time to think positive thoughts. Think thoughts that uplift and reassure yourself. Examples are “this too shall pass” and “everything is going to work out for the best” and “through life’s struggles, I can be thankful because I am learning and will end up stronger.” If you are faithful, this is a great time to recite scripture and truths that remind you of God’s love, goodness and ultimate control.
Lastly, yoga practices and times of stretching are extremely effective in calming our central nervous system. Even if it is just for 10 minutes! Resources I recommend are the Calm app and Yoga with Leah on Facebook. Leah Juenger posts daily 10 min yoga routines on Facebook to help with self-care throughout this time.
The next time you feel stress coming on, use these tools to restore to calm.
Take care!
Nikki
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