5 ways to relax and stay calm during lockdown

With a pandemic threatening our loved ones and lockdown restrictions around the world, our mental health has been put to the test. According to a 2020 Nuffield Health survey, 80% of British people working from home feel it has negatively impacted their mental health, increasing levels of stress and anxiety. So, how to relax during a pandemic? Here are 5 ways to stay calm and relax during lockdown.

1) Stay in touch with your loved ones

Whilst being on your phone 24/7 is not the best way to stay calm and relaxed, taking advantage of the opportunity to stay connected with your loved ones despite quarantine measures is one of the most effective things to do to relax and release tension.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to organise regular video or phone calls with your friends and family to catch up and get some emotional support. While group calls are a great way to relax through fun activities, make sure you get a chance to open up and share how you’re feeling with the people you trust most.

2) Take care of your body

With quarantine, looking after your body is more important than ever to take care of your physical and mental health. Whether it’s taking advantage of your authorised daily exercise to go for a walk or a run, or practising yoga in your room, exercise is a great stress-release mechanism. Physical activity can help relax anxiety and boost your mood thanks to the endorphins your body releases.

Taking care of your body also means eating well and hydrating. Try to resist the temptation of unhealthy takeaway food and enjoy the process of preparing healthy, balanced meals. A healthy diet can help reduce the negative impact of stress on your body. Limiting your consumption of tobacco and alcohol can help you stay calm and relaxed in the long term, too. Research shared by the Mental Health Foundation suggests smoking increases anxiety. Alcohol consumption also impacts serotonin levels, which can worsen stress and anxiety.

3) Find a creative outlet

Creativity is the best medicine! Expressing yourself through creative activities such as playing music, drawing, writing or even making DIY candles is an effective way to relax and stay calm during lockdown. By helping you focus and express yourself, these activities are a great mood-booster during lockdown. It’s also a nice way to make you feel less like you’re re-living the same day over and over!

4) Try natural remedies to relax

How to relax naturally? There are many effective remedies to stay calm and relaxed in a natural way. For instance, research suggests ingredients such as chamomile tea may possess stress-relieving qualities and improve sleep. Cannabidiol is also a versatile natural remedy that’s been used for thousands of years to help relax anxiety. You can find our range of CBD products here.

5) Cut yourself some slack

There's no point pretending that nothing has changed since our pandemic-free days. Give yourself some more self-care moments to relax and stay happy and burnout-free. Cut yourself some slack, you’re only human! It’s natural to need a break in these trying times. You don’t need to be as productive as your pre-COVID days. Neither do you need to start 3 new businesses, learn the violin or become a master baker during lockdown. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to take a break!

Now you have some ideas on how to stay calm and relaxed during lockdown, why not check out our tips to sleep better?