The Covid-19 pandemic has been very out of the ordinary for all of us and can be the cause of a number of emotions and feelings that can be new and confusing for many of us. People with limited mobility who often rely on stair lifts are finding it harder than ever to get out and about and those who can venture outside can’t see friends and family as often as they would like.
A recent article by Motability uncovers five simple and easy ways to lower your stress levels during this global pandemic. From working out to laughing, there are a number of ways you can reduce the emotions you may be feeling at this time.
“In the modern world, stress levels can spike at a moment’s notice—and all the more so in the current climate of coronavirus and a lengthy lockdown. April was Stress Awareness Month—a yearly event that aims to raise awareness of the cause, and cure, of stress. Feeling restless? Try out these five proven methods. The results may surprise – and calm – you.”
The article goes into more detail about the ways you can relieve stress, with some of the top choices being the following: stay in and work out, free up some headspace, count your blessings, laugh about it and hug a hound.
Working out is one of the best ways to reduce stress and is proven to instantly improve your mood: “It’s no miracle cure, yet physical activity is a proven weapon in the war against stress. Beyond the obvious health benefits, exercise boosts your ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters, called endorphins. It’s also a blissful distraction, which keeps you firmly in-the-moment.”
Similarly, yoga and relaxation techniques are also key components when it comes to working on overall stress levels: “Over the last couple of years, meditation has enjoyed a meteoric rise into the mainstream. The reason is simple: it works. Meditation is proven to aid all manner of ills—from anxiety and depression through to memory, sleep, pain and, yes, stress.”
Although this scenario may feel a little strange and unusual, trying to stay positive and grateful can help you through: “Study after study will tell you that gratitude is good for you. Improved sleep, healthier relationships and increased happiness are just three key benefits, alongside a lower level of stress.”
Laughing is a great way to instantly improve your mood, the article explains in a little more detail, “The phrase “laugh in the face of adversity” is backed by actual science. Laughing—even if entirely forced—can have a significant impact on your mood. As well as having stress-busting benefits, so-called ‘laughter yoga’ can boost immune system function, lower your blood pressure, and even increase your pain threshold.”
Having a pet around the house can be a great way to boost your mood, if you don’t have a dog, why not organise a socially distancing walk with someone who does? “After all that, the solution to managing your stress was staring you in the face – tail-wagging, tongue panting – all along. When it comes to the pros of pet ownership, the science is staggering. Dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression, have lower blood pressure, improved recovery from heart disease, greater psychological wellbeing, have greater self-esteem, and on and on.”
There are a number of factors that can cause us to become stressed, but these simple steps should enable you to feel a lot more relaxed and positive.
This news article is from Companion Stairlifts. Articles that appear on this website are for information purposes only.