Economic stress is very real. Stress about our future is very real. Parental stress is (OMG) real.
Recognize it and face it.
You need to move every day, or it'll get worse.
You need to eat as well as you can, or it'll get worse.
You need to sleep.
You need to rest.
This is here, this is now.
Stop doom scrolling.
Shut off the phone and go look at a plant.
Watch birds.
Observe clouds.
No information you get from a screen is going to change what you have going on right now.
That come from within.
You have the power to change.
Start now.
Here's the research - and it's pretty daunting, but you don't need to let it break you.
1. BREATHE
2. MOVE Seriously, you need to move. It doesn't have to be a regimented workout plan, it can be walking, dancing, hiking. As long as you're moving, it's good.
Here's a suggestion for some ab work that any level can do. You'll feel better after you do it. Promise.
3. SLEEP
As schedules fall to the wayside and working from home becomes more and more normal and things like news reading takes over, we'll end up sleeping less and less. NEWSFLASH: The news will be there in the morning. Turn it off. Decompress. Read. Sleep.
Set a regular bedtime
Turn out the lights early
Cool the room you sleep in
Turn off all screens and light sources
4. EAT
Eat a whole food based diet. Eat plants. Eat lean protein. Eat fiber rich vegetables. Drink water. Make time to prepare these things. This is the single biggest thing you can do to reduce stress. The change will be quick. You will notice an almost immediate difference when you do these things regularly and in the correct proportions for your body type. Get help doing this if you need it.
It's simple, it's not easy. Breathe, Move, Sleep, Eat. Watch your stress and anxiety go down. Repeat daily for best effect.