Ways to ease stress and unwind naturally

During these uncertain times, stressful feelings may be increasing.

If you’re looking for ways to unwind naturally, here are four methods of doing it from CNN.

Practice meditation: “You can spend one minute each morning and each evening doing this,” Richard Davidson, founder and director of the Center for Healthy Minds, told CNN. “And that kind of appreciation is something that can foster a sense of optimism about the future.”

Get adequate exercise: “A brisk walk, jog or bike ride can help keep you calm and healthy during these uncertain times,” Jennifer Helsz, an associate professor in kinesiology at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, told CNN.

Do some yoga, tai chi and qi gong: You can also get moving through yoga. The practice can release endorphins, improve sleep and regulate the body’s central stress response system Jacinta Brinsley, a doctoral candidate at the University of South Australia who recently published a study on yoga, told CNN.

Traditional Chinese exercises tai chi and qi gong also have stress-relieving qualities including lowering the hormone cortisol and improving immune function, studies show.

Make sure you’re sleeping: Relieving stress also means getting enough sleep. To do so, develop a routine and follow experts’ advice of going to bed and waking up at the same time each day.

Avoid scrolling on your phone or watching TV before bed, as blue light can disrupt your sleep. You can also unwind with a warm bath or shower and read a book before catching some Z’s, but don’t consume alcohol or coffee as a nightcap — they can be disruptive.