Home, sweet home- This is where most people have been since #COVID-19 became a pandemic. The virus has kept people within the confines of their homes for over 110 days now. Children are cooped up indoors, unable to go to school, though learning is still on through virtual classes.
Teenagers, often the most energetic, are not going to college or meeting friend outdoors. The virus has ensured families spend more time inside their homes, and members that are not working have more free time than usual. However, more free time during this pandemic has resulted in a rise in anxiety about job security, health and even the future in general. While numerous studies have shown that stress can affect the quality of sleep and also one’s natural sleeping habits, worry not, we’ve got your back.
Here are a few relaxing activities that can help you deal with and even enjoy the present moment without mentally rushing into the uncertain future, and of course, experience great sleep too.
Journaling: Have you ever tried speaking your mind out to someone at the end of the day? Journaling can help you have a similar emotional release. So the next time you find yourself worrying about something, it might be a good idea to note down your thoughts on paper. It can do wonders, especially if it’s been a hectic day. Journaling can help you see your thoughts as an observer which will help the brain calm down. Once this happens, enjoying good sleep is a lot easier. You no longer need to lie awake at night, staring at the ceiling, anxiously running through tomorrow’s to-do-list in your mind.
Gardening: Being amidst greenery and interacting with plants can help you connect with your inner person. The process of gardening involves sowing new seeds, watering them and even caring for them. Witnessing the transformation of tiny seeds into small plants and eventually bigger ones can be therapeutic. Gardening can help one gain a stronger sense of the things that they can control, like exposing the plant to adequate sunlight, watering it daily and ensuring it’s been planted in the right soil. It also shows that one is not in control of the result, which is the plants’ growth. And to accept that there are certain things that one cannot control with a calm and peaceful mind is crucial for good sleep every night.
Walking: Early humans moved around a lot, and they walked on foot. Today, walking is not a necessity anymore. However, that does not mean its got no benefits. Walking is still one of the most basic forms of exercise. What’s become a mere pastime now is also an opportunity to experience nature. Also, given the times, walking is an excellent excuse to step out and take a breath of fresh air. Stepping out during the day not only ensures you take more breaks, but it also helps your mind notice the surroundings and eventually reassure itself that in the long run, things are going to be okay.
Listening to Music: This is a habit that is both entertaining and calming for the mind. While there are quite a few athletes who use music while they train, you can use it to enter a calm and restful state of mind. Listening to certain kinds of music have shown to affect mood, focus, and even productivity positively. Slow rhythmic music, of any genre, can often do the trick. Cheerful music can also remind you of happier times and cherished memories. Thus, music can also help you direct your focus on the more positive aspects of life. It is one of the best ways to unwind after a strenuous day.
Reading: Though there may be many things vying for your attention, it can be helpful to set aside some time for reading. Many famous personalities have testified about the benefits of reading. Fiction or non-fiction, a good book can take you places without requiring you to step out. Reading can also help you improve focus while paving the way for learning, and also enhancing your language skills. It is still one of the most relaxing activities that can help the mind slow down and even fall into comforting sleep.
Additionally, you may try playing online casino games on your mobile. This great and lucrative hobby will help you to spend time with interest and benefit. In the best mobile online casinos you may win real money and get the great feel of real land-based gambling. You may find and try playing new games and use free bonuses which will spice up your play.
All the activities mentioned above can help you calm the mind. COVID-19 has effected every aspect of life. At Peps, we want to ensure that sleep isn’t one of them. Take care, and stay safe.
