Feeling stressed during quarantine? We’ve all heard about the negative effects of stress on our health. In times of crisis, it’s even more important to stay grounded and centered.
It’s easier said than done.
Luckily, there are simple things you can do to help your body cope. Be empowered by choosing to take action to keep your mind, body, and spirit calm.
Here are some of our favorite suggestions:
Mindful breathing.
Short, shallow breathing increases stress, while deep breathing promotes a feeling of calmness. Change your body chemistry in a moment by focusing on your breath and being present.
Take a walk.
Spend time in nature and focus on the beauty in the world.
Get the blood flowing.
Stretch. Take an online work out. Try Qi Gong with us. Book a virtual session where we can walk you through our favorite WFH stretches (from your desk!). We want to keep things moving as much as you can to avoid stagnation.
Pick up an art project.
Explore a new or existing creative pursuit. Using the creative side of our brains unlocks a whole new world that counterbalances the analytical side that can get caught up in the details of daily life.
Change your environment.
When you find your head spinning, get up and walk to another room, go outside, or change your activity. Cuddle with a pet or family member and remember what is important.
Eat mood-boosting foods.
Food is medicine! Focus on healthy fats like avocados, olive oil, and proteins (hummus, nut butter, seeds, lentils). B-vitamins which are found in abundance in dark green leafy vegetables. It’s important to avoid processed foods and high sugar snacks. (Dark chocolate in moderation is OK!)
Take a salt bath.
THE GOODS:
- 1-2lbs of Epsom Salt (limit 1-2 cups if you have low blood pressure)
- Fragrant essential oil (optional)
- ½ a cup of baking soda (optional)
The steps:
- Fill the bath with water as hot as you can tolerate and soak for at least 30 minutes.
- With a greater saturation of salt in the water, your body will absorb the minerals and you will feel a visceral wave of relaxation.
- You can boost the experience by adding a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender for relaxation, citrus for an emotional pick-me-up, or peppermint for physical rejuvenation.
- Also, try adding ½ a cup of baking soda to the water with the salt to enhance the detox. Light candles (we love this one), play music, and create your #ORAfromHome experience.
Mood-boosting tonic:
The goods:
- 10-12 oz. warm nut milk
- 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder (or raw cacao powder if you have it!)
- 1 Tablespoon of your favorite nut butter (we like almond)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract or powder
- 1/8 teaspoon ginger powder or small cube of fresh ginger
- Pinch of turmeric powder
- Pinch of salt
- Honey (about 1 TBS) or stevia or 1 pitted date (sweeten to taste)
The steps:
Warm the nut milk in a saucepan. Blend with additional ingredients and enjoy warm.
The perks:
The combination of ingredients is designed to help with circulation, inflammation, and non-clinical depression. With ingredients like cinnamon that help the nervous system, uplifting vanilla, and anti-inflammatory turmeric you have a tasty and soothing beverage to help with any midday funk.
Try our mood booster tonic and let us know what you think! Have your own Happy Hour and tag us @ORAfromhome!
