Happy Spring! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and…does your brain also kind of feel like it’s turned into mashed potatoes?
It’s been over a year since the beginning of the pandemic, and a lot of us are feeling depleted. As one woman in a recent NY Times article aptly put it, “I find myself falling back into deep pajamaville.”
Yep. We are familiar with that place.
So, in addition to the usual advice to sleep, exercise, and drink water, here are 5 simple, tried-and-true tips to help you de-stress:
- Practice grounding. Bring awareness to the bottoms of your feet, pay attention to any sensations, and begin to notice your breath. Mentally list the following: 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you taste. This technique, while super simple, can center you in an anxious moment.
- Write that to-do list ahead of time. If you’re a member of the Can’t Sleep Because There Are Too Many Things Going Through Your Damn Mind club, this one’s for you. Studies show that writing a to-do list for the following day can reduce anxiety. For peace of mind, take 30 seconds to jot down a few things on your phone or a piece of paper before you snooze.
- Get some fresh air. Surprisingly, the thrill of walking from your bedroom to the kitchen may have lost its luster. Find pockets throughout the day when you can go outside, even just for a few minutes. If you start to feel claustrophobic while working, opening a window for some breeze can also help.
- Recognize that your anxiety isn’t all just “in your head.” Read up on how hormone shifts can impact your general anxiety and mood (and find out what you can do about it).
- When all else fails, watch some dog videos. May we recommend this video of a 150-pound German Shepherd on his weight loss journey? What about this beagle who became best friends with a bunny? Oh, and if you’re reading this with a furry friend by your side, give them a cuddle for us.
As many of you know, menopause can be anxiety-inducing (with or without a pandemic). If you’re going to do just one thing for yourself today, check out our guide to get smart on how menopause can impact your mood.
Check out our Menopause & Anxiety guide
TABOO SMASHER SPOTLIGHT
Paula Hines, yoga teacher and writer, on prioritizing rest, developing a strong “no”, and how yoga has shaped her menopause experience.
Read Paula’s Taboo Smasher Spotlight
HEALTHY OBSESSIONS*
After a year of feeling more and more like screen zombies, this book (by friend of Elektra, Susan McPherson) is a much-needed guide for forging genuine online connections.
A one-stop-shop for relaxation
If you’re interested in cultivating more calm in your life, this is a good place to start. The app and website have free guided meditations, yoga classes, and live events.
* We’re not paid to feature these products. We just like them and think you may like them too.
WHAT ELSE WE’RE READING
A small (but promising!) study on an experimental fertility treatment for women early in menopause.
Taking care of an aging parent can be…overwhelming to say the least. This book covers everything you need to know to make it a bit easier.
Meet our latest style icons: the fashionable seniors of Chinatown.
How to support a partner through breast cancer, from encouraging annual checkups to anticipating changes in sexual intimacy.
KEEP CALM AND ELEKTRA ON
