Holistic & Simple Approaches
Create Order
Establish a routine. You don’t have to wake up at the same time every day, Mondays and Saturdays shouldn’t be identical. But do the same things in the same order every time you do wake up.
Example: Wake up, make bed, brush teeth, get something to eat
Yeah, but why? Have you ever heard if you chew the same flavor gum when you study and again when you take the test that it can improve memory? These muscle memory sensory connections can be used to help us get motivated, to sleep at night, and to reduce anxiety. Familiarity creates comfort. Comfort reduces anxiety.
Ex. Maybe always drinking a hot cup of tea before bed, doing a specific fash wash, stretches, etc. Your brain and body will associate it with sleep and begin to slow your system down in preparation
Ex. You have enough on your plate, instead of adding to it, just rearrange it to make it more edible. Set your day to be the same each day, so there is some muscle memory and anxiety relief. You don't have to wake up at the same time every day, but right when you wakes up maybe make your bed, brush your teeth, eat, and sign in to class..
Keep Connections
Call friends or family to talk
Plan a fun or relaxing day focused on your pet and things they will enjoy/appreciate
Set up a game night or movie night with others
Socially distanced fun: water balloon fights, surprise chalking friends' driveways, scavenger hunts, nerf wars, laser tag, etc.
Have you talked to anyone else? Counselor, therapist, teacher,
Physical Release
Kick a ball
Go for a walk, jog, or run
Squeeze a stress ball
Yoga
Squeeze an ice cube and focus on the temperature change sensations, the melting liquid in your hands, the pressure of your squeeze
Escapism
Movies, TV, videos (in moderation)
Reading, writing, drawing
Music
It’s totally okay to have a playlist of mood music for when you’re down and want to listen to sad or angry songs.
But then you need to create a transition playlist that is half of those bad mood songs and half upbeat happy or motivating songs.
After a listen or two of the mood playlist, switch to the transition to help move you into a better state of mind.
Then after a few of that, listen to an only happy playlist and get back in your groove.
Other Relaxers Some may require purchase, others may be free!
Lavender Chamomile tea to help with calming and sleeping
Moon Pals - a weighted stuffed animal that wraps around you
Weighted Eye Mask to relieve pressure and tension
Presently App - for journaling gratitude
Headspace on YouTube or as an app for quick mindfulness and meditation
DownDog a yoga, meditation, and fitness app
TF-CBT Triangle of Life for connecting thoughts and feelings