Being inactive can be stressful and frustrating sometimes, because the body requires a considerable amount of activeness to be able to function properly. 

However, these unusual holidays (COVID-19) somehow brings less economic and academic work, but the home has become one of the ‘busiest’ places during this pandemic and it’s no secret that when children are ‘idle’ at home 24/7, stress is almost inevitable.

The Spectator Gender highlights some simple but effective ways for parents and guardians to de-stress. 

Simple massages

One does not always require a masseur (a male who massages) or masseuse (a female who massages) to get a massage, train spouses to give simple massage to relieve stress and also boost the immune system; gently bend and rub the knees to ease tension in the joint; on the neck, hold your hands behind your head and make small, deep circles with your thumbs, and to release tension in your face, try rubbing your forehead and jaw with your fingers.

Take a tech time-out

It is always good time to be in 24/7 connection with people outside the home, workplace, school among other places but having the smart phone, laptops and other gadgets for communication make it hard to have some required level of peace. To release stress, unplug and pull away from the screen at least for few hours in the day.                                 

Bath regularly

Having a warm bath can improve blood flow and is a very good way to keep you relaxed. Some research found that people who bathe on a regular basis feel less stressed and tired and even smile more. Bathing at least twice a day is also a helper in releasing stress. Another helpful trick is that during hot afternoons, a cold bath under shower, or simply using a bucket to pour water on your head downwards can ease tension and some headaches.  Bathe right before bed and the rise and fall of your body temperature can also help you fall asleep. 

Make a to-do-list

Being organised in several aspects of one’s life can be beneficial and also release stress. Make a simple list of daily, weekly and monthly “to-dos” and hang it in a visible place around the home. Doing this has many advantages including helping to meet deadlines and avoid last minute pressure of executing your work. 

De-stress with music

Music has a soothing way of relaxing nerves; tune relaxing music has a direct effect on the nervous system. It slows the rate of heat beat and breathing, lowers your blood pressure, and signals your muscles to soften. When one needs to mentally feel relaxed, your best bet is to choose the music you love. 

Have a nap

Having a short sleep helps in the de-stressing process. A short midday snooze can help lower tension and boost your mood. This is often beneficial to people who are unable to sleep for about seven hours, which is closest to the required amount of sleep the body needs. 

Take a short nap for about an hour, find a quiet, dark place to close your eyes for 20 minutes and you’ll wake refreshed and more alert. Some people do not like afternoon nap for the fear of waking up “dazed” or “slow”. But having a short sleep can reduce the tendency of being slow.

By Portia Hutton-Mills