7 Ways to Manage Anxiety During This Pandemic

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Did you know that according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders touch more than 18.1% of the United State’s population every single year? 

That’s huge right? And with a pandemic being around for the foreseeable future, we doubt those numbers are going to go down…

In these times of uncertainty, opting for an integrative health journey can truly contribute to bettering your health. At Nuzena, we strive to provide education and support for our community, which is why we want to share 7 natural ways to help manage your stress and anxiety during this ongoing pandemic!

1. PRACTICING YOGA

Including some sort of exercise into your daily routine could be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. 

During this on-going pandemic, at-home workouts are your best bet!

One form of exercise that is relaxing and can be done from home is yoga — it is a great way to help with stress and anxiety relief and given it’s a low-impact form of exercise, anyone can try it!

Some studies suggest that the sense of relief felt while practicing yoga may come from yoga affecting your nervous system and stress response. Various studies also show that yoga may help lower blood pressure while increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that has a decreased presence in mood disorders. 

We invite you to try yoga from the comfort of your home! Head over to YouTube to find free Yoga programs or try out one of our favs, Yoga with Adriene’s “Yoga for Anxiety and Stress”. 

2. HAVE MORE FUN!

Laughing is easier said than done when anxiety and stress take over. However, take a deep breath and try to watch a funny movie or TV show. If that’s not working, call up a friend or family member.

As trivial as it may sound, laughing could really make a difference!

A study published in 2011 in the Psychology in Spain journal found that subjects who had expressed positive humor (laughing) after watching a comedy video had statistically significant decreases in state-anxiety (anxiety experienced at the moment). 

Fun Fact: Some studies on “laughter therapy” show that laughing may actually help improve your immune system by affecting your cortisol levels. 

PS: Is your fridge running? Cause you should probably go catch it!

3. TRY AROMATHERAPY

Using essential oils or burning a candle might help reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety. This method is commonly known as aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to help with individuals’ well-being and works through the sense of smell.

 Here is a list of calming scents: 

  • Lavender 
  • Rose
  • Orange blossom 
  • Frankincense 

4. WORK ON YOUR SLEEP SCHEDULE

When stress and anxiety start taking a toll on your body and mental health, your body becomes exhausted. Listen to what your body is saying and take a break!

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, some individuals’ sleep schedules have been all over the place. Make sure to get enough hours of sleep to feel refreshed in the mornings! 

5. PERFECTION IS NOT IT!

At the end of the day, you should be proud of yourself for trying your best no matter what!

Instead of always aiming for perfection and having to always be on your A-game, remind yourself that you are doing the best you possibly can at the moment and accept that things might not always go as planned…

Everybody makes mistakes and everyone has bad days. Be proud of what you have learned from those mistakes and continue to work towards your goals!

6. TRY THE SUNSHINE SPICE

That’s right! Saffron is nicknamed the “sunshine spice” not just because of its unique color but also for its effects on anxiety and stress!

Saffron carries a variety of different plant compounds that act as antioxidants such as crocin, crocetin, safranal, and kaempferol. Some studies have shown that this antioxidant may have molecules that can help with oxidative stress and free radicals (molecules that roam free in the body). 

Let’s get scientific for a sec!

Crocin and crocetin are the pigments responsible for saffron’s red color. However, these pigments are thought to provide more than just its color — some studies have shown they may also contribute antidepressant properties while helping protect brain cells. 

Safranal is what gives saffron its taste and aroma and some research shows its antioxidant components may help improve your mood, memory and learning abilities. 

Kaempferol is found in saffron’s flower petals some studies have shown it may help with inflammation and could help with depression symptoms.

If you’re looking for an extra kick of saffron, Saffron Super Spice + is Nuzena’s saffron formula that has been specifically designed by health professionals to support a diverse spectrum of mental health including regulating mood, reducing anxiety, and helping to support memory.

Read more about Saffron Super Spice +

7. RESEARCH ASHWAGANDHA

If you’re dealing with stress and anxiety, we recommend you also look into ashwagandha, an adaptogen that acts as a natural support to help reduce stress, anxiety, and sleeping troubles. 

Some research indicates that ashwagandha may help reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that increases as we are exposed to more stress, creating long-term fatigue, and mental fogginess. 

Nuzena’s Ashwagandha Pure + is a formula made with natural ingredients that has been specifically designed by health professionals to help reduce stress-related anxiety, support thyroid health, and promote healthier mental wellbeing.

Read more about Nuzena’s Ashwagandha Pure +.

Let’s continue this health journey together! We invite you to join our healthy living community to be notified every time we publish a new article.

The Nuzena Team