Stress and anxiety are a part of everyday life for more than 70% of adults in the United States, according to research. Can you imagine how much that statistic has changed since the outbreak of coronavirus?

Like it or not, quarantine, social distancing, fear of infection, and other things, have increased the amount of stress we feel. Stress and anxiety look different for different people, so we can't all react the same to stress. If you do not know how to deal with anxiety at home, here are some ways to relieve stress and improve your mood these days!

Drink tea

It is known that some herbal teas can help people to relieve stress and anxiety, while others are better used in routine complementary therapy for an underlying condition. If you think that you need an energy drink or strong coffee to raise your energy and improve your mood, you are wrong. A large dose of caffeine causes anxiety! Instead of energy drinks, try herbal tea.

For example, green tea contains less than half the caffeine of coffee and contains healthy antioxidants. Besides, green tea contains theanine – an amino acid that has a calming effect on the nervous system but also increases serotonin levels. Peppermint tea has a special aroma that may reduce feelings of frustration and anxiety.

Draw/Paint

Although we don't want to do anything when we are nervous, if we try just a little, we can do something important for ourselves. Getting in touch with your creative side can help you relieve stress. Even if you are not artistically inclined, just coloring in a coloring book can make you relaxed. There are many adult coloring books made for relieving stress and anxiety. One study found that coloring books can have a meditative effect and that anxiety levels decline in people who color geometric patterns.

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Chew gum

Did you know that chewing gum can be very effective in relieving stress? One study has shown that people who chewed gum had a greater sense of wellbeing and lower stress. Chewing gum causes brain waves similar to those of relaxed people, and promotes blood flow to your brain. Recently, another study found that stress relief was greatest when people chewed gum more strongly. Therefore, chew gum to relieve stress and have the bonus of instant fresh breath.

Laugh

According to scientists, a good laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 min after and boosts your immune system. Watching funny TV shows or comedies can help you relieve stress and anxiety, as laughter decreases stress hormones. Watch funny movies or hang out with friends who make you laugh and you will improve your mood. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine.

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Give yourself a massage

Spending time in quarantine makes us all miss the spa, the pool, and massages. If you’re unable to go to the Spa or there is no one willing to work out the tension in your muscles, consider doing it yourself. According to the Director of Massage Programs at Pacific College of Health and Science, there are sensory receptors in the skin that sends messages to our brain, signaling that it’s safe to relax. Massaging your neck, shoulders, and pressure points in the palm of your hand can help you to relieve stress and anxiety.

To relieve stress through massage, use an ergonomic and portable self-massage device. The Myo Rykr is a stainless-steel roller that features a curved handle with a stainless-steel roller-ball top. Made from recyclable materials, this self-massage device represents a drug-free alternative for health, fitness, and sports pain relief. Grab your Myo Rykr roll to ease tissues by elongating & relaxing muscle fibers. This amazing gadget works for various types of massage therapies such as deep tissue, cold therapy, and warm therapy. As it enhances blood supply and oxygen to the area to increase nutrient flow to muscle tissues, you’ll feel instant stress relief and joy.

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Practice yoga

Yoga is known for instantly removing stress and reducing anxiety. Yoga combines physical movement, controlled breathing, and mediation, all needed for instant stress relief. You don't have to be a professional, even simple yoga poses can help you reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and heart rate. For anyone who feels anxious, doing yoga every day can have long-term physical and psychological benefits. To get started, take an online class or use an app for yoga beginners. And if you need the best gadgets for stress relief, check our past subscription boxes!

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Hug your loved one

Do you know how powerful one hug can be? Scientists say that hugging someone you love for 20 seconds a day is a key to relieving stress and anxiety. A hug helps your body to release oxytocin, known as the “cuddle hormone”. This hormone is associated with higher levels of happiness.

Also, a hug can help lower blood pressure and heart rate as it reduces the stress hormone norepinephrine and produces a sense of relaxation. So, if you feel very lonely, anxious, or sad, hug your loved one or your pet, and you will feel happier.

Call your friends

One mitigating circumstance when it comes to physical distancing due to coronavirus is that there are the internet and social networks that help us to always be in touch with people we love. Whenever you feel lonely or stressed, call your friends! Your best friends will always be there for you to listen and talk about your problems. Their support is especially important when you’re under a lot of stress at home. You can call them on the phone, or you can make a video call and drink coffee together while chatting!

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Find support online

One of the measures intended to prevent the spread of coronavirus is practicing social distancing (physical distancing). Being separated from friends is difficult for all people, and for some, can cause great anxiety and even depression. If you are facing stress, and your friends are not physically there for you, you can always call them, or chat online.

But that’s not all. To get rid of stress, you can make new friends online and have more supportive people in your life. Thanks to social networks, you can join an organization, attend a support group, or get professional help if you feel depressed. You can find many people on the Internet who feel like you, with whom you can share experiences and feel a lot better.