11 Self-Care Tips For Anyone Who Has Watched The News Ever

Because the news is rarely good news.

The news. You may know it as "that thing that's prevented you from sleeping soundly for the past four years or so."

Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to combat the stress and anxiety that current events can dump on you day after day...

1. Take a walk.

Exercise works wonders for stress and anxiety, and you don't have to be a gym rat to get it. Even a simple walk can pump up your endorphins, which are the "feel-good" chemicals in your brain. So turn off the TV, put away your phone, and go for a walk or a hike ASAP.

2. Pet a dog.

Spending time with a pet has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety. It triggers the production of "feel good" neurotransmitters in both you and the dog, so you can both reduce your stress together. How cool is that?!

3. Listen to some chill tunes.

Scientific studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of music on stress and anxiety levels, and listening to music prior to stressful events or activities can dramatically improve resilience and recovery. So be nice to your brain and ROCK OUT.

4. Play more video games.

Our phone is the first thing we grab when we have a spare minute with nothing to do. And the news doesn't just live on TV anymore. It's on your phone, too! Find a fun app or game on your phone that can draw your attention away from your newsfeed for a while. As an added bonus: it's good brain exercise, and it might actually be fun!

5. Breathe deeper. No, deeper than that.

When you're anxious or stressed, you tend to take quick, shallow breathes using your chest. Deep abdominal breathing increases your brain's oxygen supply, promotes calmness, and triggers your body's relaxation response. So pay more attention to your breathing throughout the day, and don't forget to go deep!

6. Write it down.

When you're anxious or stressed, you have a lot of thoughts running back and forth in your head. Putting those thoughts on paper gets them out of your head so you can go on with your day. Don't worry too much about what you're writing down. You don't have to keep it, or publish it, or anything. Just get it out of your head.

7. Try some aromatherapy.

Several studies have shown that aromatherapy can decrease stress and anxiety and improve sleep. Plus, who wouldn't want their home to smell delicious all day long?

8. Try meditation.

If you've never meditated before, the concept can seem intimidating. Don't be afraid! Just find a nice relaxing spot, take deep breathes, and let your mind wander for a bit. When you start to feel distracted by your train of thought, just focus on taking slow, deep breathes and let your brain do its thing. There are plenty of apps and tutorials that can help you along as you progress in your technique, and it can help you out for the rest of your life. So get started now!

9. Drink less coffee.

Caffeine can increase levels of anxiety and depression in some people. Try gradually lowering your caffeine intake. Drink one cup of coffee instead of two. Order a grande instead of a venti. You may find that this has no effect on your anxiety levels, but every little bit can help, right?

10. Try a coloring book.

Simple repetitive activities like coloring can have the same effects on your brain as meditation. It's basically a fun way to give your brain a little break. So keep a coloring book or a doodle pad nearby. Your brain will thank you!

11. Laugh frequently.

Laughter isn't the best medicine for everything. But when it comes to stress and anxiety, it's a really good tool for your mental health. Laughter releases endorphins, which reduces anxiety, stress, and depression and helps you feel a little bit more wonderful. So stop whatever you're doing right now and go watch some funny videos. It's for your health!

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