Improving your mood BREATHE...
You've heard this one time and time again -just DO IT and reap the rewards. "Belly breathing" (rather than chest breathing). This activates the "Vagus nerve" and naturally serves to relax you. Even as few as 4 breaths "in" (counting slowing to 4) and holding the air in for 4 counts then exhaling for a count of 8 each time can calm you on the spot. Concentrating on your breath even for those few minutes will distract your mind from the source of your stress. When we feel stress rise up in our bodies it's best to stop the escalation in its tracks before it gets out of control - as in "controls" us...
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ACTS OF KINDNESS
SLEEP ENOUGH
Sleep during times of stress is sometimes hard to come by. You've probably heard some of the same suggestions repeated - sometimes they help you and sometimes they don't. The breathing exercise above can be really helpful. After you do the breathing exercise you may find yourself thinking...I'm still awake...this isn't working...and the next thing you know you're waking up to your alarm. Though going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time is recommended, it might take a little while to get into the swing of that if you've been keeping odd hours, so don't hit the pillow if you still feel wide awake, but read a book rather than binge on electronics. And IF you have to resort to a nap during the day, keep it to under 30 minutes and DON'T get into your bed - a power
Have you ever noticed that doing something nice for someone else actually makes YOU feel good? It's kind of a selfish good deed. Even taking the time to listen to an elderly neighbor's worries takes your mind off your own troubles and it's highly possible that your problems pale in comparison to someone else's. Even mowing someone's lawn without them asking you to do it is a gesture that relieves stress in several ways -
all rolled into one good deed.
nap can do wonders, but sleeping two or three hours during the day will not help you get on track — and you'll feel groggy for longer after you awake from a long nap. Are there LED lights
from electronics flashing in the dark? Does your TV have a "standby" light that stays on all night? These can also contribute to poor sleep. And the last tip...sleep in a VERY dark room. No night lights in the bedroom. Sleeeeeeep...zzzzzzz
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Burlington Magazine | MAY ▪ JUN 2020
MOVE YOUR BODY
(movement of ANY kind) Take a walk after dinner — alone if you are in need of some "me time" or with a companion if that suits you better. Vacuum, brush the dog, sanitize the kitchen counter — just keep moving for a while. Sometimes just diving into a small project that's not too daunting can boost your mood. Starting (or resuming) yoga — a perfect activity for these stressful times. Also the perfect time for a little "spring cleaning!" Just get moving a little to boost your mood.
