It’s slightly ironic, that so many of us have longed for more free time, a slower pace to life, and more opportunities for relaxation, and now that we have it, many of us are too stressed out to enjoy it. So what can you do to beat back the stress when your yoga studio is shuttered, a trip to the massage therapist is too risky and you are struggling to keep up with work while also overseeing your kids’ digital learning? There are actually a few things you can do around your home that will make a big difference in helping you relax.
Soak Up Some Sun
Even if you only have a few minutes to step outside before the chaos of your day begins, try to squeeze it in. A short walk around the block would be even better, but enjoying a few sips of your morning coffee or tea on the patio or deck is better than nothing. Sunlight stimulates cortisol production, energizing you for your day. If you can’t make it outside at the beginning of your day, an evening walk is also a great way to get a little bit of outdoors time. Plus, it’s a good way to bring a little exercise into your day.
Bring in the Green
You may already be taking part in the gardening boom that has spread across the nation, but if not, consider picking up a plant or two from your local nursery or farmers market. Indoor plants calm the mind with their green color, whether flowering or not, and they clean the air around you. While both of these things can help with stress, they also just make people happy by looking at them! You can achieve the same goal by displaying fresh cut flowers around your home.
Healthy Eating Habits
We have all been tempted to fall off our diet and exercise plans while stuck at home, especially if we are relying on convenience meals and food delivery to get us through our busy work days. Now is the time to get back on track. Try to commit to cooking a healthy dinner at home twice each week. Make it healthier by using fresh, in-season produce from a local market, and if feasible consider grilling outside to soak up as much outdoor time as possible.
Wind Down with Music
Never underestimate the power of music when it comes to relieving tension and stress. Whether you need to throw on your headphones and blare a little hard rock while working, or keep some soothing jazz playing in the background while the kids are working on digital lessons, music can set the mood and relax everyone. If you think music would be too distracting for school and work, you can also opt for nature sounds instead. Flowing water, waves crashing on a beach, the chirps of crickets in a meadow, try a few and find the best relaxing sounds for you.