During this lock down period it could be very easy to allow anxiety and stress to take us over. Some people may manage really well, and others might find it a bit harder. Please be easy on yourself and others, everyone is different and will cope in different ways.
For some people being confined to a smaller space than usual on lock down, and a huge change to their daily routines can be disastrous! Just the thought of being stuck in one place can feel very over whelming, throw in children and dysfunctional relationships -anxiety and stress levels could go through the roof!!
Here are some of our tips on how to get through this period, in a more relaxed way, perhaps maybe even enjoy the time you have off work and with your family.
Self care - Doing something everyday that makes you FEEL good. Maybe its using a nice moisturiser, or perfume. Taking a long warm bath, reading a good book or watching your favourite show.
Meditation/Hypnosis - Meditation allows your mind to take a break and reset, cutting out the external influences, gives your mind time to focus and relax, taking you out of survival mode and resetting your nervous system. See our main page for your free relaxation recording.
Daily mindset - Doing some mindset work in the morning will give your mind a focus point for the day, and will make you be more aware of straying from your intended emotional set point. Giving you much more chance of succeeding with a calm relaxed day. (Blog on this coming soon!!)
Exercise - Moving your body everyday is extremely important! Exercise releases endorphins into your body, endorphins relieve stress and pain in the body. Physical activity also stimulates the release of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. These brain chemicals play an important part in regulating your mood. Regular exercise also helps balance your body’s level of stress hormones, such as adrenaline. Adrenaline plays a crucial role in your fight-or-flight response, but too much of it can damage your health. There are plenty of free exercise classes, yoga classes etc floating around on youtube and social media right now. Maybe its time to try something you've always wanted too!
Make a list of things you want to get done - I bet you've been wanting to get a whole load of things done, but usually you don't have the time... well now is your chance!! Change the way you are viewing this lock down period, into one of the opportunities it has bought you. By doing this you are changing the structure of the reality around you, which will also change your emotional view point and allow you to relax and be calm about things, perhaps maybe even enjoy this extra time at home that you have.
Being aware of what your emotions are telling you - If you are quick to temper, feeling anxious or uptight, there is usually a reason behind all of that. Something has triggered that response in you, now is the perfect time to start becoming aware of what your triggers are, and what work you can do on yourself to de-activate those triggers so that you can stay calm and relaxed for longer.
If in doubt BREATHE!! - Breath work is the basis of calm and relaxation. How do you breath when you are dropping off to sleep? DEEPLY, SLOWLY and EXPANSIVELY. Just by extending your breath cycle and allowing your lungs and diaphragm to full inflate you are bringing more oxygen to your body and mind, releasing the calming chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, allowing you to relax and stay calm. Return to this breath whenever you feel tension or anxiety rising inside you.
Be kind to yourself and others - This is the first time any of us have been through anything like this! It is new for all of us and we all need to find our own way through. Bringing patience and understanding to the moment will help everyone in the long run.