Using all Your Senses to Reduce Anxiety or Depression

Right now, connecting with people and getting outside can be fairly limited. While online options like Zoom meetings with friends and family feels good, it’s just not the same as in-person meetings. Online chats and phone conversations are important, so make sure you’re continuing to connect with friends. Social distancing does not mean you need to self-isolate from everyone. 

If you find that you’re spiraling into a mental space you’re having trouble getting out of, maybe it’s time to look inside to see how you can improve that. No, not inside yourself. Rather, inside your home, which is inevitably where you’re spending the majority of your time right now as the Covid-19 virus rages.  If you are feeling anxious, it is worth investigating THC. You may ask can you legally buy weed online? Simply put, yes. There are different vendors that provide THC online. The bonus is, THC can really help alleviate anxiety, so it is definitely worth looking into. 

Let’s check out some of the ways you can improve your mental health and reduce signs of depression and anxiety within your own home by touching on many of your senses. Studies show that one of the ways to shorten panic attacks is to list specific sensory items around you, commonly referred to as the 5-4-3-2-1 Coping Technique. 

Sight

Add more lighting to rooms that feel dark. Consider some fun light strips to add a bit of magic to bedframes or around a mirror for more reflection. Stick on light strips are one of the easiest ways to add a bit of pixie light to a room, and can offer a calming effect.  https://www.lepro.co.uk/12v-led-strip offers some self-adhesive light strips in a myriad of colors and lengths. If you want to mimic outdoor light, stick with white, but for a more calming effect, choose a yellow-based color.

If you’re feeling up to it, slather on a fresh coat of paint on an accent wall. Choose warm and calming paint colors. Not only will you love the new colors, but you’ll also simultaneously feel accomplished, which can help boost your mood. 

If you feel “stuck” at home, rearrange your furniture. Without purchasing any new items, you can feel like you have some new sights to enjoy. Make the most of any windows by placing seating near them, and pull back any dark curtains.  

Sound

If you feel bombarded with negative news that is sending you into further anxiety, turn off the news. Turn on podcasts or music that you consider positive. Limit TV; with overstimulation, anxiety can pop up when you least expect it. 

If water sounds are relaxing to you, turn some spa music or such on in your home when you find yourself more anxious than usual. 

Scent

The power of scent is incredibly when it comes to jogging a memory. If you have specific scents that bring you joy, consider lighting candles that utilize those scents. 

Try putting various essential oils in diffusers to see which ones have the most calming effect on you. Traditionally, aromatherapy scents like lavender and jasmine are known to reduce anxiety, but if you find yourself happiest while sniffing citrus or cinnamon, that might be a better option for you.  

Taste

While you might want to pour yourself an extra glass of wine each evening, or top up the afternoon with a 3rd cup of coffee, try to avoid these since both are linked to depression and anxiety. Instead, sip a cup of chamomile or herbal tea, and recenter how you’re feeling. If you can, sit by your freshly painted wall in a spot of sun while tasting your refreshing tea. Not a fan of hot tea? Iced tea or lemonade, or even better, a mix of the two, can help calm your nerves. 

Avoid excess sugar that will make you feel sluggish later, and opt for healthy snacks whenever possible. 

Your senses are important to regulating how you’re feeling. If you find yourself more anxious during this crisis, try to ground yourself by integrating coping techniques, and improve your overall mental health with the use of your senses.