Many of us have been in quarantine for over a year at this point and things are starting to get interesting…
Tired of doing the same things over and over again, the repetitiveness is starting to drive us crazy and search for some outlet to help is hold it all together
Luckily, there are a few methods and activists which can help alleviate that restlessness, if only for a short while
1. Go For A Walk
Nothing groundbreaking here, right?
Studies have shown that going for a walk can not only help reduce stress but also increase focus and overall feelings of well being
This study here has linked a lower risk of cardiovascular disease to individuals living in more walk-able neighborhoods.
With social activities greatly reduced for the time being, it’s more important now than ever that we get some fresh air every day and rejuvenate our minds and keep our bodies active
This doesn’t have to be an incredibly long walk, either.
Recent studies have found that 30 minute walks are more than sufficient to meet your physical health goals.
Since our focus here is mental health, we can look at a recent study done by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health which found that running for 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%
2. Learn a new skill
I’m sure you’ve seen this everywhere by now, but let’s see why it’s important.
First off, it gives you something to focus on. The main cause of boredom is feeling like there’s nothing to do. Beginning to learn a new skill is such a complicated and lengthy process that you will never run out of something to do.
On top of the time aspect, learning new things gives us a sense of accomplishment. We’re an ironic species, we think that we want comfort and a lazy, laid back life, but truly thrive off of pushing ourselves.
Try to think of this whole circumstance as an opportunity. Never has there been a greater opportunity in history to to really think about your goals in life and put your efforts towards a new skill.
3. Stay on a consistent schedule
This one may be a little more challenging for many of you, but there are many benefits associated with it.
One of the reasons this pandemic has affected so many people is the fact that our routines have been thrown off. We’re used to going to work or school and base the rest of our lives off of this consistent schedule. When there is no longer any set routine, we begin to feel lost and like our lives are out of control
Creating a schedule doesn’t mean your day has to look like a military boot camp, but some sort of consistency can help you get in a rhythm. It could be something as simple as waking up at the same time every day or setting certain times aside to work on specific tasks.
4. Meditate / Take Time For Contemplation
Another obvious one?
Perhaps, but hear me out, meditation can be life changing!
Meditation has recently become a sort of fad in our culture, but it is still widely misunderstood. Take the spiritual and woo-woo aspect out of it, and meditation is simply being aware of how you are feeling in this moment.
With a wide range of guided meditations available on YouTube and apps made specifically for those how have never tried it, there is no shortage of resources to get the process started.
But, why is it important that we take up this practice?
Meditation has not only been shown to reduce stress, increase focus and attention, but also boost our overall sense of wellbeing.
In our constantly changing and past faced world, we need a few moments to reset and check in with ourselves.
Try to make a habit of taking 5-10 minutes each day to simply sit still and be aware of how you're feeling, try to notice what you're thinking and how those thoughts are then affecting how you're feeling and vice versa.
It may take some time before you feel any 'results', but this practice can be revolutionary for your stress levels and overall health!
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