calm your anxiety down with these simple techniques during lockdown
It’s understandable to have fears and panic during a pandemic. I’m so scared for my mom and my nephew. I don’t know what’s going to happen to the world. I am sure you feel the same way.
But instead of panicking and being anxious, being in self-quarantine is the best thing we can do right now because it’s not just about ourselves anymore. It’s about saving many lives. It’s about saving the elderly and the children.
It can be difficult cancelling our plans and staying indoors. I know how much it sucks to be home. I think it’s a good time to practice some self-care instead of living in fear or working all day long.
Here are some simple things to try during these difficult times to calm your mind, mood and anxiety.
20 self-care ideas to make you calm
1. Meditate and breathing
Meditate every night before going to bed. It will help release stress and make you more mindful and appreciative of the present. You can use Headspace for this or this free resource.. If you’re not up for meditating, you can try these breathing exercises. They will help calm you down.
2. Practice gratitude
Create a gratitude journal. Everyday write something that you’re grateful for. It could be how grateful you are that you have your family close, safe and well.
3. Put your phone away
The internet is filled with people spreading news on Corona. Some people have made it their life’s purpose to spread news, be it false or true. They are even messaging us privately. It’s a good idea to put your phone away for a few hours everyday and spend that time with either your family, or reading or working on something fun.
4. Take a long bath
Take a shower and dress up everyday, just like you would if you were heading out. Staying indoors doesn’t mean you have to start living like a slob. If you can’t go out, you always have video chats with friends.
5. Stay fit
Can’t go to the gym? You can workout at home. Nike Training Club is a free app with workout plans. Alternatively you can browse a library of free workouts on Youtube. MadFit and Yoga with Adriene are my favourites.
6. Cook new dishes
Make some home cooked meals for yourself and your family. It’s a good excuse to try new recipes. Cooking is great for stress. If you’re running out on some ingredients, you can always order them online.
7. Start a daily journal
Get a bullet journal or use any notebook you have. Dump everything going on in your head onto the notebook. Trust me you’ll feel a lot better when out do this everyday. Learn to create a wellness plan in your bullet journal
8. Paint and let it all out
Painting is a great form of releasing stress and suppressed emotions. It has made me a lot calmer as a person. The noise paintbrush makes against a canvas, squeezing paint out and watching the colors, it’s all very relaxaing.
If you can’t handle paints very well, you can start off with crayons or pastels.
9. Talk to a friend
I’m very anti-social but I try to call a friend at least once a week. It’s a good way to vent out and share ideas and inspirations. I don’t believe gossip is very god for calming you down. It makes you angrier.
10. Watch a love story
A sappy, lovey-dovey story is just want you need. It will help divert your mind from all the stress. Here’s a list of romantic movies to watch.
11. Drink herbal tea
Green tea instantly calms me down. I think it’s something to do with being warm and the aroma. Try having a cup at night befroe bed then level up with another cup during the day. Here are some calming green teas to try.
Use this checklist to get started on your self-care journey
12. Take a nap
Whenever I’m in a really bad mood, I take a nap and I feel a lot better! Squeezing in a 1-2 hour nap will be better for your productivity too.
13. Play an instrument
The best part about having a keyboard is that I’m not good at it and being imperfect can be a lot of fun! The ability to create music can be so relaxing. You should try it. You can even download apps to play piano in your phone/tablet.
14. Spend time on your balcony or porch
Whether it’s the first things you do when you get up in the morning or just before sunset for your evening tea, being outdoors for sometime is crucial during quarantine.
15. Read something you love
Reading and immersing yourself in something you absolutely enjoy can be so peaceful. I use Goodreads to keep a track of my to-read list.
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16. Create a calming playlist
Music heals everything! I love having a calming playlist that I can turn on in the background whenever I’m writing a blog or drawing. Listen to our calming playlist.
17. Have a sweet treat
Having a piece of brownie every other day won’t kill anybody.
18. Create a vision board
I know we’re far into 2020 and things aren’t looking so hopeful or bright. But it doesn’t hurt to dream. Creating a vision borad will hlp you feel hopeful of the future. Here’s how to create a vision board and some vision board ideas.
19. Clean up and organize
Cleaning up and organizing really calms some people down. Knowing that everything is where it should be and you are in control can be very good for your mental health. You should try it out.
20. Laugh and smile
Lastly, don’t forget to laugh or smile. It’s the best therapy that you can give to yourself. And it’s free!
Final thoughts on self-care for calm
I highly suggest that you take this one day at a time. Select any 5 things you fee you can accomplish and do them everyday. You should use our self-care checklist to get started. (you’ll need to access to our secret library. Get access here)
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