It’s safe to say that many of us wish that the covid-19 lockdowns were over. For a lot of people, the restrictions have caused unnecessary stress, ranging from their routine being disturbed, losing income, and feeling socially isolated and alone.
There is also the fear factor. A pandemic can cause anxiety, especially when there is the risk of loved ones becoming unwell. That said, while it can be an anxious time, there are also some strategies we can put in place to help with our mental health.
“The pandemic and associated lockdowns have forced people to spend more time with themselves than ever before. It has reshaped and illuminated the way we think about & prioritise how we treat ourselves….otherwise known as self-care. In lockdown particularly, maintaining routine and rituals is crucial to mental well-being….so get out of pj’s brush your hair and pop on some lipstick for an instant boost” Jac Payne Clinical Psychotherapist Beanstalk Consulting.
A Healthy Mind, Body, and Soul
Living a healthy lifestyle need not be difficult. It’s as simple as one, two, three. You just need to have the knowledge to make active, healthy choices that boost your wellbeing. In a sea of information, it can be overwhelming to know what to do. Amongst the Adkins, Paleo, and Keto diets, knowing what road to take can feel too much. Diet is simple, however. It’s about making choices that become a lifestyle, not a quick fix solution. For instance, our Beauty Bod Collagen supplement with hydrolyzed collagen is perfect for building your natural collagen levels, meaning you will look great, and feel more energised and radiant.
Our recommendation for a healthy lifestyle is diverse. It’s holistic. Looking after the mind, body, and soul is key. Start with ensuring a diverse range of healthy macro and micronutrients, getting your five-a-day, and moving your body. Movement can have a positive impact on your mind and body because you release endorphins; a natural antidepressant, as you move. Positive psychology has utilised this research and argued that positive living embraces the holistic, considering our food choices and lifestyle. In trials evaluating the effectiveness of exercise on psychological well-being, exercise has been shown to have the same impact as anti-depressants. Exercise switched the ‘game on’ mode of our brain. It is linked to enhanced positive emotions, self-efficacy, and productivity. The brain releases endorphins and your level of a protein called Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) also become more concentrated. BDNF releases chemicals that promote brain health and muscle tissue and activate the production of new neurons in the hippocampus, alleviating depression and anxiety. Micronutrients such as magnesium have also been shown to have an impact on stress levels, and there have been a number of studies on the use of herbal L 5-hydroxytryptophan (5 HTP) in increasing serotonin levels. The amino acid, tryptophan, has also been linked to comparable results, hence, the term ‘a banana a day keeps the psychiatrist away!’. Taking advantage of some outdoor time by going for a brisk walk will help you feel more positive and energised.
Meditation
Calming your anxious mind is important - there’s a range of free meditation tunes on YouTube. If you find yourself stressed before bed, have a listen and enjoy a wave of relaxation. Utilise the concept of worry time, which is setting aside allocated time for worry (10 minutes max) and once this time is over, you move on from those worries until the next allocated worry time another day. Take a bath, go for a walk, or treat yourself to that block of chocolate and your favourite skincare routine with face cream.
Meditation and mindfulness can help manage anxiety in these uncertain times, so be sure to spend less time watching the news, and more time focused on what you allow into your mind. Take time out to pamper yourself with our range of beauty products and you’re guaranteed to feel a million dollars.
