On top of all of the drastic changes we have been trying to adapt to this year, we are also facing a critically important election in the US. Thanks to democracy, we have the right and privilege to practice our civic duty and vote, but that doesn’t always mean the results will be what we’d hoped for. With both a pandemic and this election going on, how can we better prepare ourselves for what’s to come in the next few weeks? Here is a helpful guide for you to prepare yourself both physically and mentally so you can stay balanced when life gets a bit stressful or chaotic.
Talk It Out
Whether with a friend, a family member, or your therapist, this is the time to book yourself a trusted listener in case you want to hash out your feelings. It’s normal for your mind to be racing with thoughts and worries at this time, so it’s beneficial to have someone you can count on who is willing to listen to what you have to say. Talking is the best form of therapy, it helps you to process your feelings, clear up your thoughts, and regroup your energy in the process. Don’t bottle it up!
Rub it in, With the Right Tool
When you find yourself in a funk, a little extra pampering is a great way to make you feel rejuvenated right away. Invest the time and money in a good 45-minute therapeutic massage. Even better, if you’re curious about what all this massage gun hype is about, get yourself an NFORCE massage gun so you can treat yourself with a massage anytime, anywhere. With six unique attachments and five intensity levels, the massage gun can easily adapt to your specific needs and will address any tension, pain, and even blood circulation issues throughout your body. Massage tools like this have even been shown to help people with anxiety and mood disorders, so if you’re feeling anxious and down, you should definitely try it out.
Stay Present
There will be times where you’re living in your head or you feel like everything going on around you is making you lose control. That is precisely when you need to stay present and grounded. Research some meditations, yoga routines, or breathing exercises and put them in your mindfulness repertoire, so you can wheel your thoughts back and regroup them when needed.
Prioritize Your Sleep
A good sleep cycle resets your nervous system, strengthens your immune system, improves your memory, enhances your mood, and helps you stay focused and remain productive throughout the day; so it is important to prioritize your sleep if something is keeping you awake past your bed time. Compose a playlist of soft music, dim the lights an hour before your bedtime, and charge your phone somewhere away from your bed. Candles, tea, and even a little bit of stretching can help to calm your nerves, relax you, and ease you into bed.
Feed Your Body Good Fuel
Food is medicine. In fact, food has been shown to be more effective then western medicine for boosting your mood.
Omega-3 fatty acids increases your brain function and are great at helping you process unwanted feelings.
Probiotics help you break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently, giving you a sustainable source of energy, so no more 3PM slump.
Load up on leafy greens, which contain plenty of vitamin B9, also known as folate. It’s been noted that low folate levels are linked to depression, so if you want a dose of happiness, chug a cup of green smoothie.
Load up on vitamin D. Known as the sunshine vitamin, VD naturally occurs when the skin is exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet B rays. Since November isn’t usually filled with sunshine, it might be wise to keep your mood steady by ordering a bottle of VD , or eat foods that are high in vitamin D, such as salmon, egg yolks, mushrooms, and orange juice.
Keep Moving
Sometimes, the best way to combat the blues is through a good sweat. Exercise can be a great stress reliever. Check out our free exercise classes on our Instagram with featured instructors to elevate your heart rate along with your mood. Work out any specific body parts with Sarah, give your body some love with our mobility recovery courses with Helya, or enjoy a full body sweat with Daniela and Michael, the goal here is just to keep moving. Exercising regularly and bringing up your heart rate daily have been linked to increased energy, better sleep, sharper memory, and feelings of relaxation and positivity. Exercise also helps to relieve stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression as well as ADHD.
Invest in an Essential Oil Diffuser
Aromatherapy has gained popularity recently as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress. Many essential oils have been known to have calming effects on the body. For example, lavender has been shown to promote relaxation when inhaled through the nose, and it can also improve your mood. Chamomile essential oil is well-known for its great scent, as well as its ability to relax, soothe, and sedate people. If anything, using an essential oil diffuser will fill your home up with amazing smells and help to make you feel good while you’re practicing mindfulness, doing some yoga and breathing exercises, or meditating. Invest in an essential oil diffuser and do some more research on which essential oils would be best for you.
Practice Gratitude and Stay Optimistic
Expressing gratitude and giving attention to the positive things in life serves as a great reminder that life is still full of hope. Cultivating appreciation not only feeds your mood, but your soul. It is a good habit to form, which helps to render long-term happiness. Remember, be happy not because everything is good, but because you can see the good in everything.