Is it me, or is life feeling especially tense and stressful with everything going on now? Being stuck in the house and in front of a computer with no outside time is a lot to be thrust into. While I am super grateful to have a home and a dedicated workspace to work in each day, being forced to do so makes it a little weird. (Yep, I’m rebellious, but staying home).
If you are feeling stressed and trying to adjust to the new normal, here are several natural ways to reduce stress.
Natural stress relief techniques that you can use right away
How can I reduce stress naturally?
Breathe deeply
There are several moments where things begin to feel overwhelming. This can be especially true if you are working and balancing addiitonal family responsibilities. Take a few deep breaths, inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. This may sound very cliché, but if done the right way, it can really help. Listen to your body; sometimes you need to take a step back and have a few moments to yourself. It is better to take the time you need versus having an unpleasant episode.
Reduce eye strain
Working at home means minimal breaks from looking at the computer screen. The eye strain is real. Try to focus on something that is not your computer screen for a minute or so every 20 minutes to give your eyes a short break. To do this, use the 20-20-20 method, every 20 seconds look at something 20 feet away, for 20 seconds. Looking at the computer screen for so long is very hard on the eyes because the blue light emitted by our computer screens causes eye strain. Try to reduce the brightness of your computer screen to help with the glare, or get a glare-reducing computer screen cover can help as well. Include affiliate link
Listen to Music
Music has a way of altering our moods and putting us in a good mental space. Try to plug in your earbuds when possible and listen to some soothing music. My go-to station when I am working is the Alina Baraz station on Pandora. Find a station or playlist that puts you in a good mood; this will help you to focus on the tasks at hand instead of stressing.
Schedule time for self-care
I know, I know, easier said than done, but it is vital to our health to have time to do something that is just for you. That could mean taking a longer shower, giving yourself a facial or an at home mani – pedi. Allow yourself time for just you to just be, think, meditate, or whatever other activity brings you peace.
Workout at home
Not being able to go to the gym has been one of the hardest parts about quarantine for me. Working out is my sanity, if I don’t make it to the gym, watch out. This is not just to be fit, but because exercising release mood-enhancing endorphins, making it my ultimate happy pill. So many personal trainers are doing live workouts on Instagram and there are loads of videos on Youtube. The ability to go outside is pretty limited, but if you have an outdoor space even a small one take your yoga mat and do a workout there. I worked out on my deck a couple times and it felt nice to feel fresh air.
Use soothing scents
I love to light candles and utilize my diffuser to mix delicious scent combinations. Now that I am home everyday, I like to light a candle in my home office to have a nice warm calming scent throughout the day. If you can’t get out to get candles, this lovely blogger over at Humble Bee and Me created a deliciously scented and easy to make product that she refers to as calm balm. I made the recipe at home, and I keep it on my desk. I usually put a dab on my wrist when I am feeling stressed.
Spend Time (Virtually) with Friends and Family
Spending time with my friends and family provide me with a major boost when I’m in a funk. Virtual happy hours and FaceTiming with family has been one of my favorite activities during this time. If you have a family at home board games have been a fun activity in my house as well.
We all do so much in the span of a day. You owe it to yourself to take care of YOU. Never feel guilty for taking the time you need. I hope these natural stress relief techniques help you get through this stressful time.
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