Okay, so from the last time we spoke, a lot seems to have happened. Over a few short days, it seems like life as we know it has dramatically altered and everything is bit scary right now.
Like I’m sure a lot of you are feeling, I’m feeling very anxious at the moment, it’s the unknown isn’t it? But we’re not going to talk too much about the dreaded C word on here, instead, we’re going to keep things positive, and today, I thought I’d talk about some ways that help me to unwind and feel a bit more calm when I’m feeling anxious.
Exercise
So my usual workout routine of going to the gym has changed this week, although the gym’s are still open, I have made the decision to step away from it for the next few weeks and have been doing home workouts instead. Working out helps my mental health so much, and I’ve found that it’s been amazing for helping with anxiety.
I’ve been using apps at home like FIIT, Tone it Up, Les Mills On Demand – to workout in my living room, and I’ve been doing a mix of HIIT, strength and core workouts, all of which have got me sweaty and helped to release some anxious energy.
I also find working out helps me to sleep as well. A lot of the fitness apps atm have free trials and have lots of workouts for all abilities and for whatever you’d like to do, for example the FIIT app has cardio classes, weights and yoga/pilates – so something for everyone.
Even just going out for a walk can do absolute wonders!
2. Going Offline
Certain apps have made my anxiety worsen and one in particular is Twitter. All the news, opinions, sources, stories mean that I go from feeling okay to being in a panic. I realised this wasn’t good for me, so I’m limiting how much I go on it. Instead, going on only a couple of times ( I very may well just delete it to be fair) and relying on the news for facts. But I’m trying to not saturate myself with too much news, I know the main facts, I have news bulletins set up on my phone, so I know I’ll be up to date if I need to know something.
Instagram and YouTube have been massive helps in escapism, I’ve been enjoying content from my favourite creators which has taken my mind off things.
I have been trying to come offline in the evenings, last night I put my phone down and we watched a film (Blockers on Netflix – Very funny!) and it did me the world of good!
3. Comforting Films & Tv shows
So this kinda follows on, but I always find when I’m feeling really anxious, I turn to one of my favourite films/tv shows. I find watching one of my faves, helps me to de stress and feel more calm. I watched 13 going on 30 the other day and it made me feel so much better, my. go to list of films are ; 13 going on 30, Mean Girls, Love, Rosie, A Cinderella Story, Angus Thongs & Perfect snogging, Freaky Friday, Legally Blonde & Clueless, and TV shows are ; Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl, Friends, The Bold Type.
4. Pamper
Anything that keeps your mind off things is a good thing in my eyes, and I usually find that things like painting my nails are a good distraction, I also always feel a bit better the next day when I wake up feeling fresh and pampered. I have a chilled pamper night when things are feeling a lot ; this includes a bath/shower, hair mask, paint nails, tan all with a film and treats (galaxy is my saviour atm!) Of course it may seem that pampering seems a bit of a frivolous thing to do, but I always find it helps me to feel a bit more normal.
5. Talk!
You don’t have to suffer in silence, something that keeps me going is that everyone is feeling like this right now, we are not alone. If things are feeling too much, open up, talk to someone.
Check in on your loved ones with a message, or call. But please talk, don’t let this bottle up!
6. Relaxing Videos
Whilst meditation doesn’t seem to have a. huge effect on me, I know a lot of people swear by it. There’s a-lot of great meditation apps such as Headspace and Breethe which are great, I absolutely love ASMR videos on YouTube, these always calm me down so much and help me sleep. ASMR isn’t for everyone, you will love or hate it – ASMR post coming soon! I recommend looking up Cheryl Asmr & Peace & Sararity ASMR – they are my favourites to watch and help to calm me.
7. Sleep
I find that when I get really anxious, I feel exhausted, so an early night with a cup of fruit tea, a good book and my bed is sometimes exactly what I need. Turn your phone off, get cosy and stuck into a book and ignore the world for the night. I’ve been using lavender pillow spray and oil for my wrists to help me unwind and relax too!
Usually I find these things help me a lot, I’ve been doing a lot of these most days to try and keep calm, I’ve found that keeping myself busy and staying away from social media and exercising has done wonders.
I’d love to know if you have any tips for keeping calm/relieving anxiety in this current unprecedented climate?
