Dealing with Stress during Self Isolation
Many of us experience different levels of stress and anxiety. The period of self-isolation brought increased stress and tension into households around the world. You may have noticed that stress affected not only how you felt emotionally, but also your skin, sleep, mood and family life.
Although it was easier said than done, the uncertainty surrounding isolation made it especially important to find simple ways to manage stress and bring a little calm into everyday life.
Here are a few gentle ways to de-stress and look after yourself.
Exercise
Exercise can have a positive effect on mood, energy levels and overall wellbeing, and during stressful periods, finding the motivation to move can sometimes be the hardest part.
Even 20 minutes a day can help you feel more energised. It doesn’t need to be complicated: walk around the garden, do jumping jacks in the living room, follow an online workout or borrow your children’s skipping rope.
If you have always wanted to try yoga but never got around to it, a quiet period at home can be a good opportunity. Yoga combines movement with slower breathing and can be a gentle way to relax the mind while keeping the body active.
Make Time for Relaxation
Even when it feels like you are not doing much, getting through a difficult or uncertain period can take a lot of emotional energy. Whether your days are incredibly busy or painfully quiet, try to make some time to relax.
A long soak in an Aalgo seaweed bath can become a simple way to slow down at the end of the day. Warm water and quiet time can help tired muscles feel more relaxed while giving you a chance to step away from everything else for a little while.
If stress also seems to coincide with dry, eczema-prone or psoriasis-prone skin, keeping your bathing routine gentle can help avoid adding further irritation.
Find Reasons to Laugh
Laughter can be a wonderful way to lift your mood and create a sense of connection, even when you are spending more time at home.
Watch a favourite comedy, revisit an old film, play silly games with the children or call someone who could use a laugh too.
Sometimes a few minutes of genuine laughter can be enough to break up a stressful day.
Try Meditation or Quiet Breathing
During stressful periods, it can be helpful to find a few moments where you can simply be still.
Meditation, quiet breathing or even sitting somewhere without your phone for five minutes can give you space away from constant news, social media and everyday worries.
The aim doesn’t have to be to completely clear your mind. Simply slowing your breathing and focusing on the present moment can create a much-needed pause in the day.
Eat Well & Stay Hydrated
If you’re anything like me, you may find it difficult not to snack when spending more time at home.
Rather than putting pressure on yourself to eat perfectly, try to keep some balance in your routine. Include plenty of vegetables, drink water regularly and choose meals that help you feel nourished and energised throughout the day.
Make Time for Self-Care
Difficult periods affect everyone differently. The most important thing is to give yourself, and the people around you, a little patience.
You don’t have to achieve something every minute of the day.
Self-care can be as simple as an Aalgo facial, a foot soak, a warm body-care routine or simply relaxing in front of the television.
If your body feels tired after exercise or long days at home, you can also explore our guide to seaweed bathing for post-workout recovery.
Take Each Day as It Comes
Remember that it’s alright to feel good, and it’s alright to have difficult days too.
There are many emotions that come with uncertain situations, and the pressure to remain positive all the time can become overwhelming in itself.
Give yourself a break, take each day as it comes and remember to breathe.
Sometimes all you can do is look up at the sky, smile at the world and remind yourself that tomorrow is another day. 💚💚💚
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Published April 2020
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The information on this website is not a substitute for medical advice and is provided for educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare practitioner if you have concerns about your physical or mental health. Before applying a new product to your skin, consider carrying out a patch test first.
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