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Stress and anxiety are counterproductive. Managing them and getting your dose of peace is essential to lead a productive and healthy life. You may be bombarded by negativity during this pandemic, but there is always a silver lining and focussing on it will help you through.
It is also possible to overcome stress and anxiety by adopting certain simple practices. Here are a few tips to help you keep away stress.
Get active
Exercise tones not just your body, but also you mind. It gives you a sense of purpose and draws your mind away from worries and keeps it engaged positively. This boosts your mental health. Choose exercise that you love and do it for 30 minutes for at least 3 days a week.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Caffeine picks you up and alcohol brings you down. Both deprive you of your calm and drive up your anxiety. Avoid them to manage stress.
Don’t compromise on sleep
Right amount of good quality sleep is essential to be in a good place mentally and physically. Emotional wellbeing is directly influenced by mental and physical health. Overcoming negativity and stress will be easier with a good night’s sleep.
Master your thoughts
Don’t let your thoughts run away from your control. Choose what you wish to think about and when. Prioritise issues and face fears when you have to, to overcome them. Remember there will always be something to worry about, but there will also be something to brighten up. Choose to think about the positive while planning to deal with the negative.
Learn to tell ‘No’
We are conditioned to adjust, to try harder, to put others before self and so on. While this is good to a certain extent, when taken to excess, it can erode our self-worth. Know your limits and learn to decline politely when that limit is reached. It is alright to say ‘No’ instead of accepting something that will break your spirit. Become responsive and assertive whenever necessary.
Focus on things in your control
In any situation there will be many aspects beyond your control, but there will also be few things under your control. Don’t focus your energies on things beyond your control such as public behaviour, reactions etc. Focus instead on how you can prepare and protect yourself. Control your negative thoughts and make positive plans for the future.
A little positivity can go a long way in reducing your stress and anxiety. An active body and a positive mind can help you through any situation. So, stay home, stay safe and stay positive.
If in spite of all your efforts you are unable to fight off anxiety and stress, if you are feeling increasingly distressed and depressed, seek help from mental health professionals.
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