How to overcome stress caused due to COVID-19 pandemic?

The covid-19 pandemic took the world by surprise and at once changed how we behaved in public. Most countries decided to go on lockdown to stop the rapid spread because the results of the infection were deadly. Change, if gradual is easier to digest, rather than having it forced down upon us. A lot of people didn’t take it well. Plus, we as humans need to be outside, in the open to have a good quality of life. Any living being, if trapped indoors for long can become prone to stress. This is exactly what the pandemic has done for us. Being indoors, being worried about the pandemic and its effects has increased the stress levels. But it is important to manage it. Here are a few things you can do to reduce some of the stress that has been built.

Exercise and meditate

Exercising is one way to shut off all the negative thoughts from your mind. It has been seen that people who are into fitness will rarely feel depressed. It could be due to multiple reasons and benefits of exercising. It isn’t necessary to head to the gym, but if it is open and is following all guidelines, you can go there too. Instead, one could also try Zumba, aerobics or yoga for a fit body. A lot of online classes have mushroomed, teaching you moves to be fit, right at home. Meditation is good for mental health and it helps you remain calm in stressful situations. It will uplift your mood even when there is nothing to be happy about and is quite beneficial.

Window shopping online

For a lot of women and some men, window shopping is a cool pastime. Some would say that it is the testing before the final purchase. You look at items on display and they have been put on display to be seen. Then when you like something you buy it. Looking at new items on sale can often act as a distraction for the time being. Those minutes that you peruse through shopping sites online, you are not thinking about things that are negative. You can look up items like clothes, engagement ring London or whatever interests you.

Cooking

Cooking is one such activity that ticks so many checkboxes. The prep requires some concentration, it keeps you busy and the tasks are such that you can get immersed in it. Plus, you get a meal that fills your belly. You must have heard of people who cook or bake when they are feeling stressed. It is because cooking helps them remain focused and occupied.

Gardening

The main reason some of us are stressed is because we are inside our homes. Gardening can solve this problem. Having trees and plants around you can be soothing to your senses, plus the time you spend outdoors will be beneficial for mental health. Dig up beds, plant new shrubs or just generally tend to the garden. The end result will be good a good-looking garden along with a space where you can relax amidst nature.

Open places

If the rules allow, then do spend some time outdoors. Take all the government mandated precautions and then head out. This doesn’t mean that you have to go to public gatherings – those are still a no no. But taking a solo walk in a large park or walking in an open area with family should be ok. You don’t have to visit popular travel places to get a breather, but open spaces will do good.

Play with animals

Animals have a will of their own and humans can learn a lot from them. But it can also be therapeutic to spend time with them. Pets especially are affectionate with their families and love to cuddle or show love. Playing with them or showing them affection can get you affection back too. This has immense benefits to mental health.

While the pandemic is on or while the lockdown is in place, one can think about travelling or the best beaches in UK, but not traveling right now is for our benefit. We can plan for trips and once things get better; we can make those trips too.