Our lizard brain doesn’t like uncertainty. In fact, studies have shown that measures of stress peaks when uncertainty is high (interesting experiment here if you’re interested in finding out more).
The new environment we live in today is immersed in uncertainty, and it’s no surprise that many of us are feeling anxious, lethargic, low in motivation, mood swings, changes to our eating and sleeping patterns – they’re all stress responses.
So how do we make sure that we not only survive the current situation, but thrive, and come out the other end a better version of ourselves!
Here we share with you our 10 tried-and-tested ways –
1. Acceptance
Accept that there’re many things happening right now that are outside of your control. Our lizard brain is hardwired for control, which makes the loss of control a scary thing. So by accepting the fact that sometimes we don’t have control can feel like a sigh of relief.
2. Change of perspective
The adage ‘when one door closes, another opens’ comes to mind here. The situation doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom, we often see the most wonderful and creative ideas emerge in the most challenging times. The key is to be open to them, and see the opportunity – focus on what you can gain rather than what you have lost.
3. Cultivate positivity
Positivity can’t be coerced, and we can’t borrow it from somewhere. We make our own positivity. You can start by making every interaction a positive one. Whether it’s with your kids, spouse or parents, or it may be your neighbour or the shop assistant at your local supermarket, make that interaction a positive one. It could be as simple as saying a kind word to them, or ask them ‘how are you’ and be really interested to hear the answer.
4. Breathe…
Take note of your breathing when anxious or stressed, it’s most likely to be shallow which can be a precursor to mental health issues (e.g. panic attacks) or respiratory issues.
Taking long, deep, diaphragmatic breaths is shown to reduce our stress response, and improve our cognitive functions.
If you’d like to learn a few deep breathing technique, follow our on Facebook or join one of our LIVE STREAM Yoga sessions!
5. Make exercise your daily therapy
If your body is feeling tight and lethargic, exercise is sure to help! It also gives you a dose of feel-good hormones afterwards, which not only makes you feel like you’re on top of the world, it also helps you to focus better.
Not sure how to start? Subscribe and receive a week of complimentary LIVE STREAM classes!
6. Finding a purpose
When distractions are limited, we are forced to find something that’s worth devoting our waking hours to. Find something that adds value and gives you pleasure so you leap out of bed every morning ready to go! It can be as simple as starting a herb garden, or giving the bathroom a new coat of paint.
7. Nourish your body
See this time as a gift, a gift to finally have that time to look after your body. Make it fun to eat 5 servings of vegetables and 2 servings of fruits each day – set a goal to eat a plate of rainbow! This ensures your body gets all the nutrients it needs to repair, function, and to fight off any unwanted guests.
8. Turn off technology
It’s important to stay informed but too much screen time devoted to reading media stories can adversely affect your mood. So set a limit to your screen and media time. There’re apps that can help you do this e.g. iPhones have a tool called Screen Time to help you track which applications you spend the most time on. Samsung phones have a tool called Digital Wellbeing. There are also free apps, such as Flipd, which does the same job. Try them!
9. Develop a new ritual or try to keep the one you had
Does it feel like your days are becoming a blur? When the landmarks of our days disappear, Saturday can feel very much like a Tuesday. What helps is a daily ritual, and a structure to your week. Do you usually take your kids to sports on Saturdays, then keep to that and take them out for a bike ride at that time. Do you usually get up at 6 and get dressed for work? Keep doing that, and still get dressed in your work attire at 6.
10. Connect with others
A great saying goes ‘the antidote of hopelessness is helpfulness’. Connect with someone you know who is going through a tough time. Do something small for them to help them feel better e.g. send them a handwritten note, which means so much more in this digital age.
Set yourself a goal of doing at least one of the above in the coming week, and see if it makes a difference to how your feel. If you’re looking for more ideas, follow us on Facebook as we’re sharing daily wellness tips with you!
