Part 5: How To Stay Sane During A Global Pandemic: Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Facts

Keep your body and your mind flexible with yoga- No matter what you’re struggling with, yoga is helpful for everyone in at least one way. Not only does yoga offer many physical benefits, but it also provides mental health and self care benefits for people of all ages and physique. You can find many poses like these at yogajournal.com. 

–Balasana (The Child’s pose) is great for reducing stress and can even relieve fatigue. In a kneeling position, lean forward so your forearms are resting on the ground, keeping your bottom flat on your heels. Stay in this pose for anywhere between 2 minutes to 30, taking deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. 

–Chin Mudra (Gesture of Consciousness) helps by lifting energy, calms your mind, and brightens your mood. This iconic yoga pose is simple, starting with just sitting with your legs crossed. Rest your hands on your thighs with your palms facing upward. You will then touch your index finger to your thumb while the rest of your fingers stay relaxed and open. 

Breathing exercises– Did you know? 32% Of all american teenagers have an anxiety disorder of some sort, according to Newport Academy. Getting your breathing under control can help you relax when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious and can even help you sleep.
–Rest your hand on your stomach while sitting or lying down. Inhale deeply through your nose, as deep as you can. Hold for a few seconds. Exhale slowly through your mouth. Feel as your stomach rises and falls with your breaths. Repeat as many times as you need.

Easy sleep tips – More than likely, you’re awake and thinking about stuff when you should be asleep. Here are some helpful tips that are guaranteed to assist you in catching some Zzz’s

-Sleep enhancing supplements, such as melatonin, are a great choice if you want to sleep like the dead. Melatonin supplements can be purchased over the counter in two versions-synthetic and man made. Webmd.com suggests taking the synthetic melatonin over the natural kind. 

–Getting on a schedule can assist you in maintaining your body’s internal clock, meaning its easier to fall asleep and wake up. Try having a specific time you wake up and go to sleep every day, yes, even on weekends. You’ll notice how eventually your body will adapt and adjust for your new schedule. 

Coping Methods– Everyone struggles with their emotions sometimes but it can be tricky to deal with them. There are plenty of healthy coping methods and they can benefit everyone differently. 

-Take a walk. Use that time to enjoy the great outdoors, even if its just down the block. Reflect on your emotions; What made you feel this way? Is there anything you can do about it right now? Take advantage of your time alone, use it to destress and calm down. 

–Listen to music to stimulate your brain. Many studies show that listening to music can relieve stress, anxiety, and even increase focus. Hopkins Medicine claims that music can also improve sleep quality and mood, so turn the volume up and jam out. 

*National Suicide Hotline: 800-273-8255*
*Crisis Text Line: 741741 (text BRAVE)*

Organization tricks and hacks– Staying organized is a great way to keep yourself motivated. Your surroundings can do a great deal on your mental state, as well as increase productivity.
-Don’t procrastinate when you realize some organizing needs to be done. Get right on it in order to avoid forgetting to organize. This is also important because the longer you wait, the more clutter that builds up. 

These are just some of the ways you can stay sane during a global pandemic. Please remember,YOU ARE NOT ALONE! As much as you might be struggling, there is always a way to make life, just a little easier 🙂