Facing Fear in a Pandemic

It is human nature to fear. Fear allows us to increase our supply of adrenaline and react quicker when things happen around us. It allows us to realize that there are things out there that can hurt us and take the proper precautions.

Fear can be a good thing. It has been saving our ancestors butts since the time that they  hunted Wooly Mammoths with nothing but stone weapons and atladls (look it up). It has an important place in our lives, but it can also hold us back. Unlike in caveman times, we do not need to live in a constant state of fear. Too much, converts to stress and anxiety, making our lives more troublesome. Dealing with stress can turn into a health issue tat is worse that the thing we actually fear. 

I believe that it’s never worth worrying twice. Take precautions for sure – but then relax, for the event may or may not occur. While waiting, manage anxiety so you will be able to act calmly and intelligently if the situation does become critical. A few ideas follow.

Proven Ways to Relieve Stress

1. Drink Tea –Chamomile tea has been noted to be a sleep aid.

2.Go for a Walk – it decreases stress by pumping your brain’s feel good receptors and lowers depression and anxiety. It can give you a feeling of control over your own body.

3.Reduce/eliminate Coffee and/or Caffeine – caffeine exaggerates and prolongs stress. 

4. Eat more Ginger – it has long been deemed as a homeopathic stress reliever. 

5. Disconnect from technology – Don’t watch the news all day to hear the latest coronavirus figures or stock  market dip. Once daily will keep you informed.

6. Get a good night’s sleep – try that tea before bedtime.

7.  Avoid process foods that are rich in refined sugars and white flour. They skyrocket insulin levels. No to junk food, fired foods, and food with preservatives.

8. Take Flax-seed Oil.  It reduces blood pressure, constipation, cholesterol, inflammatory diseases, anxiety.

9. Practice breathing techniques – deep breathing – inhale a larger than normal volume of air, hold it in your lungs for five seconds and exhale slowly over five seconds. Repeat 10 times.

10. Try mindful meditation. According to Harvard University it has a positive effect on stress and anxiety.

11 – Listen to soothing music, music that makes you happy. It can also help you think more clearly. 

12. Take a break to do something you enjoy.  Read (fiction is particularly beneficial at reducing stress )  Paint. Sew. Chop wood. Watch a funny TV show, Call a friend. Do a jig.(With added time on  my hands, I’m planning to paint.)

13. Write it down – Journaling is an effective stress management technique.

14. Roll you way to health with a foam roller. It can reduce stress.

15.  Cater to your sense of smell – aromatherapy using essential oils, especially lavender, have a positive effect on stress reduction.

16.  Smile – It is difficult to be anxious when smiling. Smile at friends to help them feel good. Force one on your face even if you don’t feel like it.  Smile at yourself in the mirror. You’ll be surprised at how the simple act of smiling can make you feel better. 

Proven Ways to Relieve Your Stress can be found at Develop Good Habits.  https://www.developgoodhabits.com/dealing-with-stress/  

You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.’ You must do the thing you think you cannot do.”– Eleanor Roosevelt

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Are there special tricks you use to overcome anxiety and fear? Do share them on my blog site so all can benefit.

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