The top anxiety reducing activities to try in 2021
Six ways to induce calm and help you feel at ease By Chelsea Plaskitt
For many people the last year-anda-half has been both emotionally and physically draining. The pandemic has definitely increased stress levels and feelings of anxiety and depression on a global scale. However, the Coronavirus has not been the only thing that has had an impact on our emotional states. The responsibilities of daily life also bring stressors that are sometimes extremely difficult to deal with. As a result, activities and products that bring us calmness and tranquillity have become increasingly popular as we’ve learned to adapt to the ‘new normal’. So, let’s find out what we can do, right now, to help ourselves live a less stressful, more peaceful life in 2021 and beyond.
House plants
The practice of cultivating plants known as ‘horticulture’ is a technique that’s been around for thousands of years. With people confined to their homes during the pandemic, many Instagrammers and Podcasters started promoting the benefits of collecting plants to their loyal online followers. This helped people stay busy in their homes and gave many a sense of purpose. There have been numerous studies carried out explaining the reasons why horticulture is so good for our mental health. Some theories include a person’s appreciation for the colour green, the emotional attachment developed from caring for plants and the lovely scents they emit. Check out these websites if you want to find the right plants for your home.
• Root Houseplants, root-houseplants.com (price range: £)
• Dobies, dobies.co.uk (price range: £)
• Patch Plants, patchplants.com
(price range: ££)
Infrared sauna blankets
One of the hottest wellness trends of 2021, Infrared Sauna Blankets, are a convenient and effective way to support both your mental and physical health. The benefits include increased metabolism, improved blood circulation and the release of toxins in the body. They also increase the happy hormone, serotonin, in the brain. With a price tag of £399, they are not the cheapest investment you’ll make this year, however, you’ll save money in the long term by not paying to use a sauna at the gym. Think you’d like to give them a try? Find out about Smomar’s (smomar.co.uk) highly rated blankets on their website!
Soundscaping
A psychedelic therapy technique, Soundscaping is believed to activate the same parts of the brain as drugs like LSD, MDMA and Magic Mushrooms. It can treat conditions like depression, anxiety and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Soundscaping is very much adapted to each individual. Companies, like Londonbased clinic Wavepaths (wavepaths.com), create tracks based on a patient’s needs. Whether you’re suffering from trauma or experiencing grief or loss, Wavepaths will create bespoke music to help you navigate difficult feelings. Many recent studies have reported that the COVID-19 pandemic has increased levels of anxiety and depression three-fold over the last year and a half. As a result, Soundscaping has become a fantastic coping mechanism for people worldwide.
Epsom salt baths
This relaxing and therapeutic treatment has been around for hundreds of years and is one of the most popular ways to reduce anxiety. Epsom Salt contains a combination of magnesium and sulphate. These two compounds are known for stimulating detoxification in the body which can help reduce stress levels. Magnesium boosts the brain’s neurotransmitters that help reduce stress. Specifically, it is needed to allow the body to create the happy hormone serotonin which is directly attributed to mental health and mood. Magnesium has been shown to affect the Hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates the Pituitary and Adrenal glands. These glands regulate your body’s response to stress and anxiety.
Essential oils
Essential oils are used globally for many different reasons including pain relief, reducing nausea and as a perfume replacement. These remedies come from plants, flowers and fruits and can even be combined to make your own bespoke scent. Certain essential oils are also highly regarded for their ability to reduce anxiety. Here are some of the top options:
• Bergamot Orange — made by coldpressing an orange’s rind.
• Chamomile — the scent is extracted from the flower through steam distillation.
• Lavender — aromatherapists claim that this softly scented flower has antiinflammatory properties that can aid muscle relaxation and reduce anxiety.
• Neroli — has a sweet, citrusy scent and is made by extracting the oil of bitter orange trees.
Other anxiety reducing essential oils include Rose and Ylang Ylang.
Tapping
One of the most popular forms of stress relief today, Tapping is based on the ancient practice of Acupuncture but uses fingertips instead of needles. It focuses on relieving physical and emotional pain and is used primarily for people with anxiety and PTSD. The concept of Tapping is simple. It focuses primarily on the body’s ‘energy points’ and is used to restore healthy energy and release stress.
Although there is still ongoing research into the effectiveness of Tapping, a 2013 medical study analysed its effects on war veterans with PTSD and compared them with patients undergoing standard treatment. After a month, many of the war veterans felt a significant reduction of their feelings of psychological stress and over half no longer suffered from PTSD at all.
In conclusion
With life slowly becoming normal again, many of us feel a sense of relief as we’re able to take advantage of the things we enjoyed pre pandemic. However, it’s no mystery that the virus has caused society’s anxiety levels to increase with millions of people still suffering every day. That’s why using techniques like the ones mentioned in this article can help combat these negative feelings and help you move forward with your life. Whether it’s a daily ritual of caring for plants or enjoying a relaxing Epsom Salt Bath, managing feelings of anxiety in our busy world can be rewarding.
Words by Chelsea Plaskitt,. Follow @chelsea.plaskitt.52 on Facebook and Chelsea Plaskitt on LinkedIn.