AGENT SPOTLIGHT: Craig Malatesta & Vision Title
April 23, 2020
DJ’s Motivational Mondays | Tough Times
April 27, 2020
I normally do my Blog on education for title; however, today it seemed like a better idea to focus on all of you and some things that may help during this time. Remember, we are all in this together!!
It’s important to take time for yourself!
Here are a few things that help to relieve stress:
Try to Keep a Normal Routine
Maintain some structure during the quarantine days. If you have children, sticking to a routine might be easier. For those who have to work from home, you may be tempted into a more lethargic lifestyle. You might not have the proper set-up for working from home making it harder to get things done. The key is to try your best. Make sure you wake up and go to bed around the same time, eat healthy, shower, and get ready in the morning as if you’re leaving for work.
Remember to Breathe!
Breathing exercises are helpful for anyone dealing with anxiety. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose while keeping your shoulders relaxed. Exhale slowly through your mouth. As you blow out, purse your lips slightly but keep your jaw relaxed. Repeat this exercise for several minutes.
Eat a Healthy Snack
When you’re feeling stressed, it can be hard to pass on sugary donuts or salty food that are not good for you and will ultimately make you feel worse. Eating a balanced diet comprised largely of fresh, whole foods improves mental well-being and brain health. You’ll be happier that you reached for that apple rather than that chocolate bar at the end of the day.
Take a Nap
If done correctly, there is great power in a well-timed nap. While you should not rely on naps to repair the damage done by inadequate sleep or chronic sleep deprivation, naps can invigorate your energy levels and improve your mood. Naps can recharge your personal energy battery, boosting alertness, and increasing your midday focus. Keep your power naps to 10 to 20 minutes because you’ll stay in the lighter stages of sleep and not wake up feeling groggy.
Listen to Music
Take a break and listen to calm music, which has a positive effect on the brain and the body. It can lower blood pressure and reduce cortisol, a hormone linked to stress. Listening to nature soundtracks works too—turn on the sounds of a waterfall or rainforest. Focusing your mind only on serene sounds can help clear your thoughts.
Drink Tea
Opt for a cup of green tea in the morning or midday. It has less caffeine than coffee and contains healthy antioxidants, as well as theanine, an amino acid that has a calming effect on the nervous system.
Exercise—Even if it’s a Little Bit
Running in place for five minutes or doing a couple of simple stretches can get the blood pumping and offer immediate relief in a stressful situation. When you move around, your body releases endorphins, which can improve mood almost instantaneously.
Get Some Sunlight!
Sunlight and darkness trigger the release of hormones in your brain. Exposure to sunlight releases serotonin, which is associated with boosting mood and helping a person feel calm and focused. Without enough sun exposure, your serotonin levels can dip. Being out in the sun is proven to make you healthier not just emotionally, but physically as well.
Take a Bath or a Shower
From Roman baths to mineral hot springs, cultures around the world have used water for centuries to treat a variety of health concerns. Also known as “water therapy,” hydrotherapy includes such treatments as saunas, steam baths, foot baths, contrast therapy, hot and cold showers, and whirlpools. Submerging into a pool of water can help you unwind after a stressful day. Proponents of hydrotherapy say that within the first five minutes of treatment your blood pressure will drop and you’ll feel calmer. Further exposure will increase circulation and make your muscles feel less tense.
Organize Your belongings or Clean
Yes, cleaning can make people feel less anxious. Cleaning provides relief from clutter. Getting into your car or walking into a messy home that has piles of clothes, unwashed dishes, or things needing to be put away feels different than walking into a clean home. When you keep your things neat and organized it can also clear the mind as well. Remember the last time you couldn’t find an item you needed around the house? By keeping everything neat and in its place, it can help you feel more in control. If you incorporate mindfulness into your cleaning, it can actually be a form of meditation!
Here’s to hoping this is all over soon!!!
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