8 Simple Ways to Calm Your Mind During Stressful Times

Feeling More Anxious Than Ever?

Are you filled with anxious thoughts about COVID-19? Worried about your financial situation? Having trouble coping with self-isolation? You aren’t alone.

Stress, fear, and panic are reaching unprecedented levels as this pandemic continues to spread throughout America and around the world. You may feel like your life is spinning out of control, but there are several things you can do to soothe coronavirus anxiety.

8 Simple Strategies to Help Ease Your Stress and Calm Your Mind

1. It’s Okay if You Aren’t Okay

Acknowledge that it’s completely normal to feel anxious during a pandemic. In fact, having some anxiety is a good thing. Studies show that the “don’t worry, be happy” people—think of those Spring Breakers crowding the beaches in Florida—die the earliest from accidents and preventable illnesses. Having appropriate levels of anxiety helps keep you safe.

2. Practice Social Distancing but Connect Emotionally

Just because you’re sheltering at home doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Take advantage of social media to stay connected with the people you care about. And remember that people are contagious just like the virus is contagious. Be sure to limit your exposure to people who fuel your fears and anxiety.

3. Slow Your Breathing

Science shows that taking 10 deep breaths—inhaling for 3 seconds and exhaling for 6 seconds–can reset your nervous system and have a calming effect. Do this anytime you’re feeling stressed or panicky.

4. Kill the ANTs.

During a pandemic, mental hygiene is just as important as washing your hands. Learn to disinfect your thoughts by killing the ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) that steal your happiness. Anytime you feel nervous, stressed, or panicky, write down what you’re thinking, then talk back to the ANTs. This strips them of their power and puts you in control of your thoughts and moods. It’s so easy—just grab a piece of paper to write down what has concerned you today.

Calm Your Mind with Meditation | BrainMD

5. Get Hip to Hypnosis

You might think hypnos is is just for stage acts, but the medical community has long viewed it as a serious science. Using hypnosis has been shown to quickly reduce stress, lower feelings of anxiety, and enhance moods. Give it a try in the comfort of your own home with one of several hypnosis audios.

6. Loving Kindness Meditation

This easy meditation is intended to boost positive emotions and reduce negative feelings. Just sit quietly and allow your anxiety and stress to melt away as you breathe deeply (see #3 above). Then say the following phrases aloud or silently to yourself:

May I be safe and secure.

May I be healthy and strong.

After a few moments, direct the phrases to someone you love:

May you be safe and secure.

May you be healthy and strong.

7. Consider Nutritional Support

In times of excessive stress, your body’s nutrient levels can be depleted, so it’s important to fuel your brain appropriately. Supplements, such as Everyday Stress Relief, can help replenish diminished nutrients to promote a tranquil mind.

GABA Calming Support boosts GABA to help calm your brainwaves and pump the brakes on anxious and fearful thoughts. Serotonin is another neurotransmitter that’s involved in regulating anxiety and moods. Serotonin Mood Support contains key nutrients that promote serotonin balance and a sense of calmness. Significant research shows saffron can help boost serotonin and benefit mood.

Our new formula called Happy Saffron Plus has three ingredients designed to improve mood, help cope with anxious feelings, and enhance focus under mental strain.

8. Know Your Brain Type

Not all brains are the same. Based on our brain imaging work, we have identified 16 brain types that influence how you respond during times of crisis. To discover your brain type and get targeted recommendations to optimize your brain function so you can cope better with stress, take our free online Brain Health Assessment quiz. It only takes about 5 minutes to complete, and you’ll get a roadmap to a calmer, happier you.

This content was originally presented during a special Facebook Live event by Dr. Daniel Amen. Click here to view the full video.

At BrainMD, we’re dedicated to providing the highest purity nutrients to improve your physical health and overall well-being. For more information about our full list of supplements, please visit us at BrainMD.