According to the Mental Health Foundation, people who spend long periods of time at home can find themselves in a state of social isolation and depression. With so much time to themselves, it’s easy for them to get stuck in a rut. However, taking steps to increase your productivity using proven techniques can massively improve your well-being.

Use this checklist whenever you feel like stressful feelings are getting the best of you. Just run down this list and try the activities one by one until you’re feeling better.

Try these techniques to reduce stress while stuck at home:

❏           Get some exercise.
Those who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety than those who don’t. Exercise releases feel-good endorphins, enhances your sleep quality, and can help increase your confidence.
 
 
 

❏           Light a scented candle.
Certain scents can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Lavender, sandalwood, ylang ylang, and geranium have all been shown to offer these benefits.
 
 
 

❏           Cut your caffeine intake.
Caffeine is a stimulant found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks. It can also cause anxiety in high doses. If you experience symptoms such as jitteriness or anxiety, consider cutting back on your intake.
 
 
 

❏           Chew some gum.
When you chew gum, you will experience greater blood flow to your brain. Doing this can cause brain waves to occur that are similar to those experienced by relaxed people.
 
 
 

❏           Spend more time with family and friends.
Your family and friends can offer you support in times of need, so it’s important that you keep them close to you. Research has found that spending time with friends can help release oxytocin, which helps to relieve stress. Call them on the phone or video-chat regularly.
 
 
 

❏           Laugh.
Spending some time out of your day to laugh can go a long way to relieving stress. It helps to relieve tension by relaxing your muscles and can also strengthen your immune system and uplift your mood.
 
 
 

❏           Learn when you should say no.
Often you will find yourself stressed because you’ve taken on too many responsibilities. Sometimes it’s better to be more selective about what you agree to do.  When you say no, those that were asking are able to respect that decision as well as honesty.
 
 
 

❏           Avoid procrastination.
If you put off doing important tasks, you could find yourself getting stressed and having to scramble to complete those tasks before the deadline. Instead of trying to multitask, make a list of your tasks and do them in order of importance. You’ll reduce stress and enjoy greater productivity.
 
 
 

❏           Practice mindfulness.
Whether you take a yoga class or try some self-meditation, if you practice mindfulness and focus on the present rather than the past or future, you’ll see a reduction in anxiety.
 
 

❏           Listen to relaxing music. 
Certain types of music can lower your blood pressure and heart rate and may help to reduce stress hormones too. Slow-paced instrumental music, such as jazz, works well, and also classical, Celtic, Native American, and Indian music can also be soothing.
 
 
 

❏           Practice deep breathing.
The aim of deep breathing is to slow your breathing and make it deeper. This process will bring more oxygen to your body’s cells, relax your muscles, slow your heart rate, and leave you feeling more peaceful and relaxed.
 
 
 

❏           Spend time with the things you love.
Whether you interact with a pet or enjoy painting, your body releases oxytocin, a chemical that uplifts your mood. Plus, having that connection will give you a purpose, help to keep you active, and provide you with companionship or accomplishment - which all can reduce stress.

With these stress-reducing tips, you can take on the fight against stress head-on. It may be a challenge, but the results will speak for themselves. Ultimately, while many things in life are outside of your control, your stress level is not one of these things. With these tips and strategies in mind, you’ll be able to say goodbye to stress, once and for all.