People all over the world are experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression from the current coronavirus restrictions. The social distancing and self-isolation requirements are hard enough on older adults, but the younger generation is feeling the burden more than most.

CBS news reported on a poll that found 56% of adults aged 18-34 have felt isolated because of the strict coronavirus restrictions. Many people are unable to see their family and friends because they don’t live in the same household. Others are able to connect with friends, but only while maintaining a distance of 6 feet and while wearing a face mask.

The cycle of stress caused by COVID-19 seems endless. People are being laid off, small businesses are going out of business, and parents are scrambling to take care of their childrens’ schooling needs. 

If dealing with the coronavirus restrictions is causing you stress, anxiety, or depression, you’ll find relief in these tips.

1. Try CBD gummies before bed

CBD has been proven to alleviate stress and anxiety and provides a host of additional therapeutic benefits. CBD gummies are the easiest, tastiest way to consume CBD and are especially beneficial when consumed before bed.

Whether you suffer from detectible sleep problems or not, CBD will help you get a better night’s sleep. One of the reasons stress and anxiety are so hard to combat is because lack of deep sleep exacerbates the problem.

When you’re exposed to triggers on a daily basis and you aren’t getting enough restful sleep to allow your body to heal, stress and anxiety can increase exponentially. Deep, restful sleep, on the other hand, can aid you in reducing your stress levels over time since your body repairs itself during sleep.

You can take CBD gummies during the day as well, but when you take them before bed, you’ll help your body achieve that deep, restful state of sleep needed to boost your recovery.

2. Play positive affirmations throughout the day

If you want to stay positive while you’re locked down or forced to self-isolate, expose yourself to a continuous flow of positive messages. Anytime you get the chance, play positive affirmations. Play them everywhere, including on your phone, your iPod, in the shower, and in the car.

Positive affirmations aren’t a magic wand, but when you listen to them long enough, your mood will shift. In fact, many scientific studies have proven that you can greatly influence your mood just by changing the type of media you consume. The best part is you don’t even need to be consciously aware of what you’re listening to. Your brain will absorb affirmations even if they’re played in the background while you work on something else.

3. Drink herbal tea rather than caffeinated drinks

If you’re drinking caffeinated coffee and tea, you’re stimulating your nervous system. You may not feel the effects as you’d expect, but even so, your nervous system is being stimulated. 

Every small bit of stimulation can contribute to an increase in anxiety. Ditching caffeine is the best thing you can do for your body when you’re feeling anxious. Just for now, switch to herbal teas and other non-caffeinated beverages. You don’t have to give up coffee for good, but give your body’s nervous system a break for a while and see how you feel.

4. Get in bed an hour before you usually get tired

Giving yourself ample time to wind down while in bed is important. Winding down in bed isn’t the same as winding down in front of the computer or television. If you’re used to vegging out in front of a screen before bed, even with the blue light turned down, you are stimulating your nervous system. 

The best way to relax into a restful night’s sleep is to wind down without stimulation. To achieve this, get in bed about an hour before you usually feel sleepy. Lie on your back and take some deep breaths and try to clear your mind. Meditate if that feels right to you. Whatever you do, stay relaxed and let your thoughts pass. You might end up falling asleep faster, but either way, you’ll wake up feeling more rested.

Take things one day at a time

If you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed because of the pandemic restrictions, take it one day at a time. The restrictions won’t last forever, and you’ll be able to reengage with life sooner than you think.