2020 has been one for the record books, that’s for sure. The COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and businesses, mandated people work from home, and instilled a fear that has us waiting for the “murder hornets” to appear any day now. Add children to the mix, and shake in some distance learning, and this year can be summed up with one word; STRESS. Whether you are an introvert living your best life, or desperately missing things that once were, keeping healthy during quarantine should be a goal for everyone.
Striving to Stress Less
Stress is a given in non-pandemic times but can be kicked up several notches with all the changes we have seen in the last several months. Our body’s response to stress allows us to think faster and act quicker in dangerous or adrenaline-pumping situations. However, prolonged exposure to stress can have a detrimental effect on the body.
The prolonged stress response in the body can lead to high blood pressure, insomnia, depression, fatigue, and more. You can de-stress in the following ways:
- Connect with someone you can express your true feelings with
- Meditate
- Download a mindfulness app like Aura, or Headspace
- Relaxation exercises like progressive muscle relaxation
- Do something you enjoy like a bubble bath, read a book, etc.
- Connect remotely with friends and loved ones via a virtual meeting.
Healthy Body
A healthy body requires the right fuel and activities to keep it properly working and in the optimal form to combat the pandemic’s emotional and physical changes. Here are some helpful tips on maintaining a healthy body:
- Family walks with the dog
- Gardening
- Keep active by regularly exercising, like using the free workouts on YouTube
- Feed your body nutritional foods, and avoid those high in sugar and fat
- Set aside one night a week for the whole family to cook a healthy meal
Volunteering has also been shown to benefit both your physical and mental health. Volunteering helps counteract the effects of stress, anger, and anxiety, combats depression, and makes you happy. Foster an animal, write letters to the elderly in nursing homes or help with a food pantry. Volunteering in a clinical research study is another impactful way you can help advance medicine for chronic conditions such as diabetes and fatty liver.
Those diagnosed with a medical condition like these can learn more about their condition and have the chance to benefit from potential new therapies not available to the public. To learn more about all the enrollment opportunities at DGDC, call the research department at (210) 614-8612 Option 5, or visit us here.
References:
https://www.virtua.org/articles/10-quick-ways-to-de-stress
