I don’t know about you, but the world feels pretty hectic lately. With the Black Lives Matter movement quickly gaining traction on top of the ongoing pandemic, these past few weeks have been intense, to say the least. As our country endures a pressing period of turbulence, change and uncertainty, it’s easy to feel lost and overwhelmed — we at the Clog can definitely relate. So, we’ve compiled a couple of suggestions on how you can destress and ground yourself through these chaotic times. 

Take a break from social media

Sometimes, we all just need a digital detox. If you find yourself anxiously scrolling through news and social media for long periods of time, take a break. Pause and put your phone down. Blink a few times to reorient yourself, and delete those apps from your device — temporarily, of course. The constant inflow of information from our phones can be especially overwhelming, and it’s important to recognize that. 

Exercise 

Staying active and moving around is one of the best things you can do, regardless of the situation. Exercising clears your mind, gives you an energy boost and is a wonderful destresser. Whether you don’t typically like to exercise or are a fiend for workouts, there’s always a way to get your blood pumping — dancing, high-intensity interval training or even just lunges from one room to the next. 

Read 

There’s nothing like curling up with a good book and a hot mug of tea. Books have the fantastic ability to transport you into another world, allowing you to slow down from our fast-paced reality. Unwind with that book you’ve been wanting to read, or reread old favorites! Either way, you can’t go wrong with this soothing activity. 

Educate yourself

Keeping up with current events can feel overwhelming, especially when there are new updates every single day. Take some time every day to learn a little bit more about unfamiliar topics. Remember, it’s OK if you don’t know everything. Be patient, take baby steps and invest in a long-term learning plan — the rest will follow. 

Yoga

With all the time we spend staring at screens, our bodies are bound to feel tight and achy. This can make it difficult for your body to relax and unwind. So, try some yoga! If you’re new to the activity, there are plenty of videos online that lead you through yoga stretches. Stretch out your limbs first thing in the morning, before going to bed or whenever you’re feeling stiff. Better yet, take the yoga outside for some fresh air. Yoga is doable, no matter where you are!

Appreciate the outdoors

It’s easy to get swept up in the quarantine haze when you’re inside all day. If you’re in a funk, spend some time with Mother Nature! Whether it be hiking, biking or even surfing, the great outdoors always finds a way to remind you that everything will be OK. 

The list we’ve included above is by no means exhaustive, but it’s a good place to start! As we experience such tumultuous times, it’s normal for our emotions to be all over the place. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed, it’s OK to just take a step back. Focus on the present moment, take a deep breath and try not to be so hard on yourself! We at the Clog support you, no matter what.