10 TIPS TO HELP YOU GET CONTROL OVER YOUR ANXIETY RIGHT NOW!
There is a lot of uncertainty and anxiety with the new of the COVID-19 spreading. If you are anything like me, I’ve been stressed and worried and freaking out over it. My schedule has been disrupted and I seem to be thinking about all the “what if’s”. Some of my worry is over things I cannot control. Here is what I did to help me get control over my current mindset of stress and anxiety.
First of all, let’s look at what stress does to our bodies. Stress is the body’s natural response to danger, which is good, but stress will affect our hormones levels when it is constantly turned on, and that will have a negative affect on our health.
When our body is in a constant state of stress it can cause excess cortisol levels in the blood, which can cause a multitude of issues. These issues include such things as high blood sugar, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome (which can lead to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes), suppressing our immune system, auto-immune disorders, osteoporosis, behavioral issues, insomnia, and even hypothyroidism.
Low cortisol all day long can create a devastating condition known as Adrenal Fatigue.
So, what can we do to manage our stress levels right now? Here are 10 tips to help you get control of your stress and anxiety right now:
Figure out a schedule and stick to it. Having a schedule creates some sense of normalcy. We feel secure when we know what to expect and know what things we can control.
2. Exercise. Work out that frustration, fear and stress!
3. Do a daily devotional. Meditate on a scripture or a worship song. Currently, I am doing a Priscilla Shearer bible study, “Discerning the Voice of God” - she’s my favorite! Having faith in God is what get’s me through. Knowing He is in control and He’s got my back. Doesn’t mean I’m not going to go through hard times, but I know He will walk through it with me.
4. Take an epsom salt bath with a relaxing essential oil such as lavender to relax and destress. Play some relaxing music or read a book to allow to you focus on something other than the things that are out of your control. Try not to let your mind wander to the “what if’s”.
5. Listen to a podcast to grow your mind while you clean or do laundry at home. This is a great time to keep your mind busy while your hands are busy. “Read” a book using the audible app. You can get through a lot of books while commuting or doing mundane chores!
6. Avoid spending a lot of time on social media or watching the news. This will exacerbate your fears of things being out of control. Just allow yourself a few minutes a day to check in on what’s going on. Text or call friends instead of using Social Media if you need to walk away from it in order to de-stress.
7. Eat more alkaline foods to help balance your body’s acidity. Stress will create an acidic body and that will create heath problems. This will also help you normalize your cortisol, support your adrenal glands, and gut bacteria. Examples of alkaline foods are apple cider vinegar, lemons, and green vegetables.
8. Healthy fats are hormone healing. Examples of healthy fats are avocados, wild-caught fish, and flaxseeds.
9. Take a good quality multi-vitamin and mineral supplement to make sure your body has all the nutrients it needs to function at a high capacity.
10. Journal - Write out your fears and anxieties on paper. Get them out of your head and on paper. You will feel better for it. Then start writing down what you are thankful and grateful for - it is a fabulous way to change your mindset from one of worry to gratefulness!