Easing Symptoms Caused by Stress
After a long, stressful year and a half, we’re finally beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel, though some still feel stressed and uneasy. From the inability to feel calm or remain still to having trouble sleeping, the past year has likely had an unwanted effect on you. So, we’ve put together a list of ways to help ease your symptoms.
How Can You Ease These Feelings?
If you’re having trouble focusing, sleeping, or unable to remain calm, Dr. Arthur Barsky, Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School recommends distracting yourself with old photos or doing the laundry. You can also do mindless activities like coloring or doodling. Here are a few other ways to ease the unwanted results of stress:
- Count your inhales and exhales until you reach 10 of each to calm your mind.
- Visualization techniques: Check out this article from Very Well Mind for tips.
- Mindfulness Meditation: Click here for a simple guide to get started.
- Distract yourself by meditating with the Homedics drift kinetic sand table.
Though these aren’t the only ways to work through your stress, Headspace and Harvard Health also recommend deep-breathing exercises, yoga, taking a walk or run through nature, and sipping herbal tea to calm your jitters.
Keep in mind, if you suspect your symptoms are the result of a serious mental illness, like anxiety or depression, reach out to your doctor for help.
*Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
SOURCES
Anxiety Disorders, Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9536-anxiety-disorders
Recognizing And Easing The Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety, Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/recognizing-and-easing-the–physical-symptoms-of-anxiety
Using Visualization to Reduce Anxiety Symptoms, Katharina Star, PhD, Verywell Mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/visualization-for-relaxation-2584112
Mindfulness Meditation for Panic Disorder, Katharina Star, PhD, Verywell Mind: https://www.verywellmind.com/mindfulness-meditation-for-panic-disorder-2584082