This is very tough, some say tougher than Lockdown 1, I definitely agree with that. It is isolating and stressful and we’re all affected.
I wanted to put together some tips that will help you keep stress and anxiety down and help you up the feel good hormones. There are ways you can make yourself feel better, and even though it won’t solve your problems, you will feel good, calm and in control.
Work out at the same time every day.
The benefits of this is you will have a good structure to your day. Working out at a good pace, releases feel good hormones. It also reduces the amount of cortisol (stress hormone) you have, making you feel better instantly.
Lift weights.
Lifting even light weights in your workout, can have a profound effect on your mood. I highly recommend it as a way of taking care of your mental health.
Do interval training.
Interval training releases a huge amount of endorphins in a very short space of time. Just 20- 30 minutes will give you a huge surge of endorphins, leaving you feeling very calm and relaxed.
Walk every day.
Whether it’s fresh air for 10 minutes or a big long walk, both have huge mental health benefits. You will feel calm and much better in yourself after just 10 minutes.
Reduce caffein intake and increase water intake.
This will give you immediate benefits. Reduce caffeine to one or two cups per day, and nothing after 2pm. Aim to get 2 litres in every day.
Read a good book before bed.
Start with 10 pages a night and see how you go. It has such a calming influence and you will feel sleepy and relaxed. Keep the phone on airplane mode once you get into bed, before you start to read.
Journal.
Journaling for even 10 minutes a day can help you process thoughts and feelings much better. journaling helps you see the bigger picture of your life, which helps keep things in perspective.
Nourish yourself.
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. Eat breakfast, lunch and dinner. Snack on healthy food and take care of yourself from the inside out.
Get up early.
Get up early, before you have to, is such a huge game-changer for anyone wanting to feel a bit more in control. Take charge of your morning and you will have taken charge of your day.
You can download my free 30 day Fast-track to #FEELGOOD program here
To your success,
Jessica Cooke
