stress. /stres/ noun. a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances

We can all agree, these are stressful times. And when we are stressed, our immune system’s ability to protect us is significantly reduced. We become more susceptible to infection and disease. With so much going on, it might feel like the very worst time to focus on self-care routines. But it’s actually the exact right time.

It’s easy to say, “try to relax.” It’s much harder to put into practice. That’s why we’re offering 6 actionable tips to help you manage stress in these challenging times.

1. Pay attention to what you eat

There’s a very real connection between your brain and your gut. Stress, even short-term stress, can have a profound impact on the delicate microbiome that makes its home inside your digestive tract. So, when stress runs high, it’s more important than ever to eat well. For followers of The Blood Type Diet, that means focusing on beneficials, those “superfoods” specific to each blood type that help to reduce inflammation, boost your immune system and help your body to function at peak performance.

2. Limit your news intake

In uncertain circumstances that seem to change moment by moment, it’s natural to want to keep informed. And it’s tempting to tune into the 24-hour news cycle and just stay there. But the constant barrage of information can make you feel more anxious. And anxiety can reside at the subconscious level. Even if you don’t “feel” it, your body may be reacting to it in negative ways. Try limiting yourself to 30 minutes of news each day. Then step away and focus on creating routines that make you feel more at ease.

3. Find your trusted sources

Speaking of news, there’s a lot of it. Too much, one could argue. There are so many opinions, conflicting reports and downright confusing facts (or are they facts?). It’s difficult to make sense of it all, particularly when you are trying to limit your exposure. So, find your trusted sources – the ones you can rely on – and stick with them. 

4. Just breathe

One of the best ways to calm both the body and the mind is through simple breathing exercises. Conscious, mindful breathing supports the nervous system and the brain and just makes you feel good. For more information, check out our full breathing blog here.

5. Exercise

Exercise is well known as a stress reliever, but did you know that not all exercise is right for every blood type? Intense exercise like running helps those with Blood Type O to de-stress, but Blood Type As respond better to calming exercises like yoga or tai chi. Learn more about how to manage stress by exercising right for your individual blood type.

6. Stick to a schedule

Creating and maintaining a schedule for your “new normal” can actually be very beneficial. It might seem like staying fluid and living a more free form life would be more relaxing, but the truth is that most humans thrive best with structure, particularly if you have young children at home.

What we are all experiencing right now is unprecedented. A global pandemic is uncharted territory. During this seemingly chaotic time, there are things we can control. We can control our thoughts. We can control our response. And we can take ownership of keeping our stress levels to a minimum. Hopefully some of these tips can help you to de-stress and decompress in challenging times.

This post originally appeared in April, 2020.