We can’t deny that we’re going through unprecedented times.
So what can we do when we feel anxious? How can we stay calm when we face stress? Here are some tips to try at home:
- Look into deep-breathing techniques. According to Healthline, “When you’re anxious or angry, you tend to take quick, shallow breaths.” In turn, this may cause your brain to experience the fight-or-flight response whenever you face stress. So do your research on deep-breathing methods, which may encourage your body to naturally calm down.
- Consider what you’re eating. If you tend to reach for the sugary treats like ice cream and candy, substitute these for healthier options. Berries are loaded with antioxidants, which are known to help safeguard cells from stress. Also, add spinach to your salads. Spinach is rich in magnesium, a mineral that’s known to induce calmness, improve sleep and lower blood pressure. (Do you want to learn more about magnesium supplements? Read this article here.)
- Open up your mind to yoga. Maybe you’ve tried yoga in the past and thought, “nah, this isn’t for me.” We strongly suggest trying yoga again, and this is why: according to the International Journal of Yoga, “[y]oga encourages one to relax, slow the breath and focus on the present, shifting the balance from the sympathetic nervous system and the flight-or-fight response to the parasympathetic system and the relaxation response.” As a result, you may experience lower cortisol levels and a decrease in blood pressure. Want to make it a fun activity? Invite your friends to join you in a yoga session through Zoom or FaceTime.
- Add CBD to your health routine. CBD oil, edibles, beverages and capsules are options to help you stay calm. Did you know that CBD has an impact on some receptor systems in the body? For example, when you take CBD, you activate serotonin receptors, which can help alleviate worrisome thoughts, insomnia and pain. (To read more about CBD oil and medical cannabis prescriptions, click here.)
Most of all, it’s important to carve out time for yourself, especially when you have a lot on your plate with work and family. Please reach out to your doctor or municipal health centre if your stress levels are interfering with your daily life. For more recommendations on anxiety relief, contact our educators at 905-286-4420 or visit us in Streetsville. Click here for our contact information.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-calm-down#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/magnesium-anxiety#other-benefits
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3193654/
https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/ss/slideshow-calming-foods
Laura Lagano, MS, RDN, CDN. The CBD Oil Miracle. Castle Point Books, 2019.