More People Are Suffering From ‘Lockdown’ Anxiety
How to Cope with Lockdown Stress?
Since the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, many of us, even those who have not been infected by the virus, will choose to quarantine in our homes for the upcoming weeks.
For many of us, the pandemic has increased our anxiety, or made existing mental health issues worse. It may take longer to adjust to necessary changes. For many people lockdown has been relatively quiet and isolated. Coming back into shops, traffic, transport, and work might lead to sensory overload – feeling overwhelmed by sights, sounds or smells.
As we gradually begin to go back to our lives, it is important for us to keep our mental health in check as well. Some of the best ways are to find routines, stay connected with your loved ones, eat well, and taking exercise, just as much now as we did at the start of lockdown.
Tips for coping with ‘lockdown’ anxiety
Because our situations are unique to us, it is really important to cope with these high levels of stress and anxiety as best as we can. What we have found is that Therapeutic Weighted Blankets have amazing benefits that will help improve your sleep quality and reduce stress and anxiety.
If you are still working from home, using a weighted blanket when you sleep, or when you’re working at your desk may help you cope with the increased levels of stress. Several studies have shown that individuals who used a weighted blanket reportedly seen improvements in their overall mood. This method is effective because weighted blankets are best known to provide a therapeutic effect similar to giving a someone a hug, it will stimulate the release of oxytocin “a happiness hormone” in the brain. This hormone creates a sense of calm and well-being also helping to reduce levels of cortisol "a stress hormone".
Most commonly used by individuals suffering from sleep deprivation, stress, or anxiety, studies have shown that using a therapeutic weighted blanket can help reduce sleep deprivation and insomnia to improve your sleep quality.
Research Studies on Weighted Blankets
According to this article published by SciMED, researchers found that “participants had a positive impact on sleep, both objectively and subjectively, where a number of physiological and behavioral measures were improved during weighted blanket use.” The article also concluded “When the participants used the weighted blanket, they had a calmer night’s sleep, with a decrease in movements.” and “believed that using the blanket provided them with a more comfortable, better quality, and more secure sleep.”
How to use a Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket works exactly the same as a normal blanket. You may use it on its own, or together with your comforter. For the best results, you should cover your body from the neck down and ensure that it is fully covering your chest and legs. Your feet can be covered or not, depending on which you find the most comfortable. Ideally, you should lie on your back while sleeping under the cover to ensure the blanket’s weight will be evenly distributed across your entire body.