Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, worried or anxious? You’re not alone.
Whether you’re the CEO of a big business or the CEO of your household, we are all riding the emotional rollercoaster of lockdown and experiencing heightened levels of stress and worry. The good news is, there is a whole host of things you can do to boost your mood and make the day a little brighter.
1. Say thank you
There is compelling science to support the positive impact of gratitude and kindness to boost wellbeing and bolster against stress, anxiety, low mood and burnout. Take some time each day to remember three things that you are grateful for.
2. Move your body
Exercise is one of the best forms of therapy out there! It stimulates dopamine, endorphins and positive mood states. Exercise that has a regular rhythm such as walking, running, dancing, or swimming, are all excellent for reengaging a calmer and more positive mood state.
3. Just breathe
Taking just 5-minutes to focus on your breathing can really help you relax. Try sitting up straight, closing your eyes and breathe in through your nose slowly and exhale through the mouth slowly. Use your breath to let go of any tension you may be holding in your muscles and bring your mind back to the present.
4. Celebrate effort
Too often, we focus only on the outcomes we’re supposed to have achieved, not leaving any room to acknowledge the effort it takes to get there. Celebrate the effort you make each day, no matter how small, and give yourself a pat on the back. This will stimulate positive neurochemicals and start to break down the power that stress and worry can have.
5. Phone a friend
We human beings are social animals, and we crave interpersonal connections. Evidence shows that being socially connected to others is a key contributor to our mental health and an important factor in protecting us against anxiety and depression. While lockdown makes it hard for us to connect in person, we can still touch base with loved ones for a chat on the phone or a video call. Who can you pick up the phone to connect with today?
Try building just one of these simple strategies into your daily routine or double-down and do as many as you can every day, and notice the lift in your mood.
For more strategies like these, check out my best-selling book, The Mind Strength Method: Four Steps to Curb Anxiety, Conquer Worry and Build Resilience. You can also find some excellent FREE resources on our website including an eBook on Managing Anxiety in Uncertain Times.
