Life can get stressful sometimes, but you don’t have to let it drive you crazy. Here are seven fun and easy ways to combat anxiety during a stressful time.
It’s no secret that 2020 has been a stressful year so far. The coronavirus has brought on a lot of change in the world. It’s understandable for anxiety to rear its head in such a time of uncertainty.
Now more than ever, it’s important to know how to relieve your anxiety. Otherwise, you’ll feel stressed out all the time.
These seven ways to combat anxiety are meant to help you cope when you’re anxious. And even better, they’re all fun things to do.
It’s the perfect time to incorporate some fun into your routine to keep your mind at ease!
1. Get Creative
Being creative is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. It focuses your mind on a task so you don’t focus as much on what you’re stressed about.
Use your free time to do something you love. Paint a picture. Sew or knit something to wear. Even coloring can help you calm down.
Or, take this time to learn how to do something that you’ve always wanted to do.
It’s a great time to read a book or watch videos that will teach you how to do things you’ve been thinking about learning. You can even just catch up on that stack of books that you’ve been meaning to get around to.
By slowing your mind and putting your energy toward something outside of yourself, you will do wonders for your anxiety.
2. Listen to Music
Music is a pretty amazing thing. It activates your brain in different ways depending on the pitch, tempo, and volume.
Basically, different music makes you feel different things.
If you need a little boost of energy, listen to some upbeat music with a quick pace. If calming down is what you’re after, soothing music that is slow and quiet will definitely help you out.
Create a playlist based around songs you really enjoy.
Think about what makes you feel better. Do you benefit more from chilling out and relaxing? Does it make you happy to get up and dance? Do power ballads recharge your soul?
Choose your music accordingly!
3. Do Some Exercise
It’s been proven time and time again that exercise is nothing but good for your mental health. That includes helping you manage stress and anxiety.
On top of reducing stress levels, being active releases endorphins, the feel-good hormone. It will also help you sleep more peacefully at night, which is important for keeping your anxiety levels to a minimum.
That means it’s time for you to get moving!
Any exercise will do. Go for a walk or a run. Take a hike out in the wilderness. Do some hard-hitting cardio or stretch it out with some yoga. Have a dance party.
Exercise is one thing that is all around good for your mind, body, and soul.
4. Hang Out With Animals
This one is good for you and your furry friends!
Spending time with your cat or dog (or whatever kind of pet you may have) is a great way to combat your anxiety. It elevates your levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help you feel calm and relaxed.
Having a pet adds structure to your day, keeping you from feeling lost in your stress.
You have to walk them, feed them, and play with them so they are happy and healthy. In turn, they provide you with companionship and love. Their attitude is always a good reminder to live in the moment.
And if you don’t have a pet of your own, think about visiting a local animal shelter or heading to a dog park just to spend some time around that happy energy.
5. Watch Something Funny
Laughter truly is the best medicine, especially when it comes to reducing stress and anxiety.
There are so many ways you can benefit from having a good laugh every day.
It releases endorphins, which play a big part in making you happy. It relieves physical tension, which helps you sit back and relax better. It decreases your adrenaline, the stress hormone in your body.
Laughter even burns a couple of calories!
So go ahead and give yourself permission to laugh. Queue up your favorite stand-up comedian. Watch some of your favorite funny videos online or a funny movie. Call up a friend that makes you laugh.
No holding back. Let loose and let yourself laugh.
6. Call a Friend
Strong social connections are essential for your mental health. It gives you a sense of belonging, which can make you feel better overall.
Unfortunately, at the moment, physically going out with your friends is a little tough. But that doesn’t mean you can’t keep your relationships strong.
When you’re feeling anxious, get a friend or family member on the phone or video chat for a while. Talking to someone else about why you’re anxious gives them an opportunity to reframe the situation from their point of view.
But you don’t have to talk about your stress unless you want to. Talking to a friend about your day is just as good for you. You could even play a game together while on your call.
Sometimes, a good distraction is all you need.
7. Get Close to Someone
In this instance, we are talking about physical closeness.
Cuddling is fantastic for combatting anxiety. It’s easy and fun to snuggle up during a movie or before bed. Plus, it’s a good reminder that you’re not alone in all this.
There is proof that cuddling has a ton of benefits for your mental health.
It slows your heart rate, lowers your blood pressure, and reduces your levels of stress. When everything slows down, you’re able to relax much easier.
Cuddling also triggers your brain to release oxytocin, which helps you feel better.
In Conclusion
The world is going through a tough time. It’s natural to feel the weight of that. With an elevated level of stress everywhere, anxiety isn’t hard to come by.
But, you can’t let yourself absorb all of the world’s stress. Do something about it. Get the best of it before it gets the best of you.
These seven fun things to try are a good starting point for fighting off those anxious feelings. Take a deep breath and give your mind something better to focus on.
And remember, we’re going to get through this.
Author Bio:
Adam Marshall is a freelance writer who specializes in all things apartment organization, real estate, and college advice. He currently works with Grove at Huntsville to help them with their online marketing.
Interesting related article: “Managing anxiety.”