So we are being asked by the government to practice social distancing. We’re all being asked to stay inside and away from crowds - and that means no pubs, gigs, holidays or eating out at your favourite restaurant. For some, it may also mean feeling isolation anxiety.

Whether you’re someone who regularly suffers from anxiety, or if these are new feelings for you, it’s more important than ever to find stress-busting strategies that help you to feel calm in these unprecedented times. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a look through these pointers, and remember you definitely won’t be the only one feeling this way.

1. Limit your News Intake

With things developing so quickly and the media looking to dramatise, it can be tempting to follow every single update from online news sites and apps. If this need to stay up-to-date is starting to feel compulsive, try taking a detox, allocating yourself a small window of time each day to catch up on the latest updates. If you’re really worried about missing something important, you can ask a friend or family member to let you know. The same applies to social media - it’s great to stay connected with people, but if your friends are sharing lots of news stories or airing their worries, it can quickly become another source of anxiety rather than an escape. 

2. Keep physical distance, but maintain social connection

Social distancing might mean we have to stay in our homes, but that doesn’t mean we need to isolate ourselves completely. Keep reaching out to everyone that matters to you - especially those people who help you to feel more calm and grounded. Whether it’s daily texts, phone calls, Skype sessions, or a Netflix party, regular contact will help you get some perspective and remind you that you’re not alone.

3. Get Moving

Mental health charity Mind says that a little daily exercise can be enormously beneficial in managing intrusive thoughts, “doing something physical releases cortisol which helps us manage stress. Being physically active also gives your brain something to focus on and can be a positive coping strategy for difficult times.”

If you’re still in a position to get outside, take time out each day to go for a walk or run in your nearest open space. If this is a no-go, there’s plenty of ways you can still work up a sweat in your own home - from free online speedy HIIT workouts to virtual yoga classes - embrace this time as a chance to try something new and incorporate some healthy habits into your daily routine.

4. Practice Mindful Breathing

Whenever I start to feel my anxiety levels amp up, I start doing a very simple breathing exercise a Hatha Yoga technique, which is a form of alternate nostril breathing. You can use your fingers to block the nostril or simply just concentrate your awareness on the flow of breath as it comes in and as it flows out.”

This type of breathing not only helps the body shift into the rest and digest mode, but it also helps to balance the left and right hemispheres of your brain. The right side of the brain governs the left-hand side of the body and the left-hand side of the brain governs the right-hand side of the body. By focussing on each nostril independently you bring both sides into balance.

5. Take time out to for self-care

Sometimes it’s the simple things like an indulgent face mask or a long bath with a restorative hair treatment that can help you to feel more like you. 

A professional facial is out of the question right now, but a DIY effort could be just as transformative for your skin and your mood. Spend time properly layering up your skincare and giving yourself a little facial massage - it’ll help you feel totally blissed out and you’ll emerge from your Corona-chrysalis with a healthy glow-up.

6. Listen to Music

Set the perfect mood with music. When your worries become all-consuming, put on your favourite songs, turn up the volume, and re-focus your mind.   

A tip from Mind - “Really listen to music. Can you pick out the different instruments? Can you hear a drumbeat or a certain rhythm? Focus on the music and let other thoughts fade away.”

Missing the live music experience? The Big C might have knocked most gigs and festivals on the head, but that hasn’t stopped some of the biggest bands and artists taking to the internet to live stream their music directly to your living room. It’s sort of like the real thing, except without the spilled pints and jostling for the best view, and they’re completely free - what’s not to like?

7. Spend some time doing something creative 

Whether it’s a colouring book, or crochet or knitting; doing something creative takes your mind off the bigger problems that are out of our control and these anti-stress activities allow us to find tranquility, to reduce anxiety and bring in more mindfulness allowing you to find zen in the chaos we find ourselves in right now. 

8. Declutter & Deep Clean

There has been a huge increase in the Kondo decluttering and Hinching cleaning phenomenons which help to distract us from the chaos of the outside world to bring peace calm and order to our immediate habitats.   

9. Catch up on your reading or find a new box set

While you can't hide from your problems, especially when it comes to mental health, taking a break from them can do you a world of good. Anxiety can be constant and overwhelming, and it has the effect of colouring every experience you have.

When you read or watch a good show, however, you can escape your own experiences and live someone else's. Getting lost in a story is doing just that: losing yourself, your troubles, and your anxieties, if only for an hour. Sometimes, that hour is all you need to get through the day.

10. Try a supplement

Supplementing your diet with natural vitamins and minerals can help you combat stress, anxiety, and black moods so that you can be a happier, healthier you! 

Revitality® RELAX Stress Less

Revitality® RELAX Stress Less combines scientific research with traditional herbal remedies to help reduce your stress and anxiety naturally. Boosting your health and wellbeing by lowering your cortisol levels, Revitality® RELAX Stress Less reduces the symptoms of stress so you stay well-rested and energised, ready to tackle everyday pressures. 

Revitality® DREAM Deep Sleep

We’ve all been there. Lying awake at night, tossing and turning. With every tick of the clock, the problems seem to magnify and our stress levels soar. And unfortunately, it works both ways. Yes, stress gets in the way of sleep, but lack of sleep can also exacerbate stress. 

Revitality® DREAM Deep Sleep provides you with a natural nightcap that will help you sleep better and longer and feel more rested the next day. Containing melatonin as well as Magnesium, Valerian, and Camomile its formulated by experts to work closely with your body’s circadian rhythm for maximum benefit. Relax, unwind, and sleep better for longer. 

Revitality® HEALTH Omega 3 Brain

Did you know? Omega-3 consumption has been associated with the growth of grey matter in areas of the brain associated with emotion regulation, so a deficiency can contribute to the development of mood disorders.

Our Revitality® HEALTH Omega 3 Brain is rich in the vital DHA and EPA which can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression giving you that daily boost your brain needs to function at its highest level.  All in an easy to take lemon flavour softgel with no fishy aftertaste.

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