No one is immune to stress, especially during a global pandemic. Stress may look different depending on who you are. Currently, many of us have difficulty sleeping, are oversleeping, or are constantly waking up with fatigue. Although it is absolutely normal to experience stress and anxiety, learning how to manage these uneasy feelings, naturally, is extremely important in developing a happier and healthier lifestyle!
It all starts with your morning. With the sudden lifestyle change that COVID-19 has forced upon us, establishing a morning routine is more important than ever.
Get some vitamin D, if possible
There is something about sunshine that instantly boosts your mood. While this may seem like just a placebo effect, researchers have actually proven that many people experiencing depression and anxiety lack Vitamin D. As summer is right around the corner, make sure to take a walk in the sun or listen to your favorite song and sit in the sunlight for a few minutes each morning. Even if you are living in an apartment all summer, sit by the window for just a few minutes, the sunshine is guaranteed to brighten your day!
Take a cold shower
Do not underestimate the power of a good shower! Although most of us probably prefer to rinse off under warm water, try standing under cold water for at least a few seconds next time you wake up. Many people who take cold showers are more likely to have a stronger immune system, become more physically active, and develop a sense of alertness. Some researchers also argue that taking a cold shower in the morning can boost one’s mood as the cold water increases the release of endorphins throughout the body. So next time you are feeling groggy or fatigued in the morning, take a quick, cold shower; you will feel energized to begin your day!
Avoid looking at your phone for at least 20 minutes
The first thing most of us do when we wake up is scroll through the numerous texts, calls, and emails on our phones. Although this may seem innocent and mindless, within minutes, your body is bound to experience a level of stress or anxiety as you come across that work email or pressing text from the day before. According to research done in the California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences and Psychology, excessive phone usage is directly linked to feelings of anxiety, especially as the dependency on phones increases.
Try to resist the urge to reach for your phone when you first wake up. Give yourself at least 20 minutes to peacefully begin your day, without the disrupting emails and calls that will surely fill up the rest of your day. Resisting this urge will re-balance the mind-body connection, allowing you to focus on yourself and feel calmer when beginning your morning. Check out these 10 ways to digital detox.
Write a plan for the day
Do you ever have so much to get done that instead of being productive, you stress about all of your responsibilities instead? With everything we have on our plates these days, it can become overwhelming to begin your day. Organizing a to-do list has proven to manipulate your brain into believing your tasks are manageable. Whether you prefer to write down your to-do list on a piece of paper, on a calendar, or on your phone, keeping an organized list will help you accomplish your responsibilities one-by-one.
In your list, make sure to include one fun thing to look forward to each day. This can be small, like setting aside 30 minutes to watch your favorite show or trying out a new dinner recipe. Either way, it is SO important to have something to look forward to to get you through your day!
Listen to music and DANCE
This is my favorite stress-relieving strategy. Firstly, taking part in any kind of physical movement, especially at the beginning of your day, helps wake up your body through the release of endorphins and brightens your mood for the rest of the day. If you are looking for a fun way to forget about your problems and jump-start your day, turn up your favorite upbeat song and groove however your body feels like. Not only is dancing a good cardio workout, it can also improve your overall mental health and happiness. You just might start your day with a smile.
