5 Tips to Reduce Stress and Anxiety in Uncertain Times
/You don’t need me to tell you that you are coping with your own set of worries, concerns and anxieties. And, if you're like most people, you're working hard to find your balance each day.
I've talked with so many people over the past few months and there are some common themes. We're all coping with stress and uncertainty. Many of us have had major changes in our day to day life. Some of us are dealing with the Corona Creep on our waistlines. Some of us haven't exercised in months and feel it. Some of us are about ready to turn our homes upside down to get organized. Some of us are struggling with sadness, grief, and anxiety. Many of us are dealing with all of this and more.
Sadly, I don't have a magic wand to fix everything. But, I can offer you some tools on coping with anxiety and uncertainty.
Stop comparing yourself to anyone else. Seriously. Stop. None of us have done a pandemic before so let's just give ourselves a pat on the back for getting through the day.
Get moving, preferably outside. The vitamin D from the sunshine will boost your immune system. The movement will reduce your stress levels, boost your cardiac function and can even help you sleep. And, the outdoors is very calming for our nervous systems. Aim for a minimum of 30 minutes every day but even just a 10 minute walk can make a difference.
Eat beans, nuts, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. These are just a few of the foods that Dr. Uma Naidoo, author of This is Your Brain on Food, recommends incorporating into your diet to reduce anxiety and stress. Dietary fiber is particularly important to boost the health of our microbiome and thus the health of our mind and body.
Limit consumption of the news. Stay informed but know that you don't need to have it on all day and especially not while you're eating. Not only can this increase our stress and anxiety levels further but this can also impact our digestion and levels of belly fat.
Begin today. Don't put off taking care of yourself until 'things calm down' or until you feel motivated. In fact, motivation often starts after we've gotten started.
If there is one thing I'd like you to take away from reading this today, it's that little steps can make a big difference. What is one healthy step that you can take today to take care of yourself?
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