We are living in unprecedented times — perhaps the most historic moment of our collective lives. With the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the country (and the globe), a fog of uncertainty has settled among us. It’s okay to be stressed, it’s okay to be anxious, it’s okay to be feeling all of the feelings. You are not alone. Instead of denying the feelings of anxiety and fear, we can acknowledge them and address them as part of the human experience and then work through them together. To that end, we have collected some resources for you to use at home while practicing social distance and protecting your health.
Mindfulness
In physical isolation, we are spending extra time alone with our thoughts. Rather than going down a rabbit hole of conversation stimulated by fear, take this as an opportunity to tune in and listen to your intuition.
Meditation is a rich source of mindfulness and can directly impact feelings of anxiety. MNDFL, our go-to studio in NYC, has gone mobile with the MNDFL Video on-demand service, offering the first two weeks free for new users. With over 100 guided meditations ranging from one minute to thirty minutes, you can build a practice that works for you.
Our founder and CEO, Caroll Lee, is currently participating in ‘live sanity break’ sessions every weekday with Ten Percent Happier. Tune in Monday to Friday at 3 pm EST for a quick stress break and to find connection in this virtual community.
One of our favorite ways to quiet a racing mind is through breathwork. Acupuncturist Samantha Story leads breathwork and qi gong exercises via Instagram live regularly, and this Saturday 3/20 is holding a Spring Equinox virtual breathwork group that will be sure to move energy through your body and breathe anxiety out.
List of Classes on Kait Hurley’s App
Fitness
Now that we’ve talked about exercising the mind, let’s turn our focus to the body. Not only does routine exercise support your immune system, it releases endorphins and serotonin that naturally boost your mood, reducing feelings of depression and anxiety. Incorporate both mindful ritual and physical fitness with The Class by Taryn Toomey. We are obsessed. Available on multiple devices five times a day, you can livestream these therapeutic sessions for $40 a month with a free 14-day trial. If you have roommates, this is a great at-home group activity!
Since attending group classes isn’t an option right now, we’re keeping it moving in our living rooms. Continue your practice sans studio with Kait Hurley’s audio and video workouts, which provide a combo of high intensity, stretching, yoga, running, and plyometrics. Music-driven and fused with meditation, Kait’s programs help you access presence and inner strength while working up a sweat. Find the right guided program for you with a free 14-day trial.
A quick note — just because we’re practicing social distancing doesn’t mean we can’t go outside. Find clarity through hikes, walks, or runs, ideally out in nature or in a city park.
Nourishment
The next stop on our anxiety-taming list is what we’re putting into our bodies. Provenance is built on the foundation that food is medicine. In order to support your physical and mental health, we are delivering fresh, nutrient-rich meals to your home (with no contact).
Another easy addition to your routine is Wooden Spoon’s Anxiety Ally. Available on CAP Beauty, this supplement is composed of powerhouse ingredients Tulsi, skullcap, and milky oats which lowers cortisol levels and soothes the nervous system.
CBD oil is a rising star for treating anxiety, which is why we just added Plant People’s CBD Oil back into our Wellness Shop. These fast-acting, full-spectrum drops promote relaxation and minimize the biological response to stress and anxiety, while also supporting body and brain function. This is a great tool to kick off a day on the Work From Home status.
Clean Beauty
Life is typically deemed too busy to invest in self-care, which is one of the most vital activities to have in your routine to reduce stress and anxiety. Now is the perfect time to take a break from your screens and devices and show yourself some love.
For people with autoimmune diseases or other health challenges, you may be feeling extra vulnerable right now. May Lindstrom is here with a detailed skin ritual to help you relax and recover.
We’ve recommended it before and we’ll recommend it again — The Treatment by Lanshin Pro Gua Sha Tool is a must-have in our weekly skincare routine. Facial Gua Sha essentially works as an exercise for your face, helping tone skin, increase skin elasticity, and get the blood flowing. To enhance hydration and that beautiful glow, pair with Annmarie Gianni’s Herbal Facial Oil.
While we’re spending most (read: all) of our time indoors right now, our skin is potentially being exposed to extra amounts of air conditioning and heat. Give your face a three-minute breather with the Bright & Easy Flash Mask from Ursa Major.
Available as an add-on to your order from our Wellness Shop
Rest and Restore
Sleep plays a major role in your stress levels and overall mood. Is your anxiety causing you to have restless nights?
A weighted blanket, Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil or a warming cup of our Immune Boosting Herbal Tea are a few tools we recommend to promote a seamless night of sleep. Magnesium, nicknamed “nature’s Xanax,” is best absorbed through the body as an oil and helps with a more relaxed, deeper sleep.
Stimulate tranquility in your home with an oil diffuser. Since you’re staying in, this is an opportunity to elevate your surroundings and honor your sacred space. A great way to improve the energy (and smell) of your home is through these aromatic accessories. Choose your favorite essential oils to soothe the spirit, energize the mind, or soften the space.
In actively trying to protect ourselves from coronavirus, all dimensions of our health have become number one priorities. Although we can be taking all measures, sometimes that odd tickle in our throats or quick sniffles send alarms up into our brains. If you are feeling a little off, or are wanting to understand your risk for COVID-19, make a virtual appointment with Parsley Health in order to bring peace of mind. In response to the virus, the functional health clinic is offering the first month free with code BEWELL. This way, you can receive professional medical advice and still effectively practice social distance.
Empathy
When feeling stressed, does your mind tend to focus on you and you only? Taking the attention off yourself and focusing on empathy and generosity not only helps others in need, but reduces feelings of helplessness and stress. Check in with friends and family to see how they’re doing and send them virtual hugs and kisses. Show your support for the community by shopping from local businesses online or donating to nonprofits that are doing essential work right now. Currently, homeless shelters are in-need of monetary donations to support their guests, and animal shelters across the country are seeking out foster homes to last throughout the outbreak.
Despite our isolation, in many ways our community has never been stronger. This experience has led us to practice more gratitude and truly feel embraced in the love and support from our peers. Join us on a communal journey of self-growth as we overcome this pandemic. If you are suffering from stress and anxiety at extreme levels, please seek professional guidance. You can access behavioral health coaching, video therapy, video psychiatry, and more via the on-demand mental health service Ginger. Stay home, stay healthy, and stay calm. We are here for you if you need anything.
