7 Tips to Combat Inflation Stress

Inflation is the highest it’s been in decades. UK inflation rose to 10.1% in July, creating economic uncertainty which has in turn, had a detrimental effect on people’s wellbeing and mental health. Not only is inflation daunting, but some experts have warned about a potential recession next year, causing more anxiety about the uncertainty that lies ahead. And we are still battling with the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Covid, Inflation, Politics— they’re all affecting our sleep. 

On average, adults with lower stress levels report sleeping more hours a night than adults with higher reported stress levels (7.1 vs. 6.2 hours).With all the uncertainty around a potential recession and increasing inflation, Phil Lawlor, Sleep Expert at Dormeo has put together 7 tips to counteract the effects of stress and improve sleep.

1. Discover which daily stressors cause the most problems

Where there are multiple issues, write them down and try to alleviate some of the easier to solve problems first. Write down specific ways you and your support network, including family and friends, can reduce help to manage your finances. Although this can be anxiety-provoking in the short term, writing things down on paper and committing to a plan can reduce stress.

2. Eat healthily

Maintaining a healthy diet can reduce the negative effects of stress on your body. A balanced diet can support the repair of damaged cells and a healthy immune system. Eating nutritious and healthy foods can provide the extra energy your body needs to cope with stressful events. Another important natural factor linked to a healthy diet is good quality sleep. You may wish to keep an eye on what food and drink you’re consuming through the day. Avoid caffeine, energy drinks, spicy and acidic foods.

3. Learn to meditate

This is a wonderful way to alleviate feelings of stress or troublesome thoughts. Practise at any time of the day but especially before retiring to bed at night, as it will instil feelings of calm within. Deep sleep meditation is a practice or technique that promotes and produces, if done correctly, a state of deep relaxation while you remain awake and alert. This can help you to wind down, quieting the mind and body, and can help reduce insomnia or sleep troubles.

4. Exercise

Getting a high level of exercise can also help you relax and lift your mood, combatting known sleep disruptors like anxiety, stress, and depression. As such, working out can help to loosen tense muscles and improve the need for sleep. It also releases feel good endorphins in the brain. Even walking for half an hour, a day or practicing yoga can really help. Remember not to exercise for at least two hours before retiring to bed, as this will keep you alert and awake.

5. Consider any stress that exists in the workplace

Increased workloads will equate to increased stress and, sometimes, people are unable to switch off from their problems at the end of the day. This is not conducive to healthy sleep patterns. If possible, delegate some of the workload to others, or discuss rising workloads with those in senior positions. Taking action can empower and de-stress you.

6. Drinking calming tea

Hot drinks can soothe several ailments, from tea with honey and lemon for sore throats, to green tea for antioxidants. What you might not realise is that certain herbal teas can also help with falling asleep. While caffeinated teas can increase stimulation, herbal teas have the opposite effect with chamomile tea widely used to promote relaxation and drowsiness. Other teas such as spearmint and lemon balm reduce anxiety along with improving sleep quality. Grabbing a cuppa an hour before heading to bed should give the herbal tea plenty of time to work its magic.

7. Create a calming environment.

Maintaining a calm and relaxing home environment is important for your mental health and wellbeing. There is a link between the stress hormone cortisol in the brain and living environment in women. When your room is untidy and cluttered, you have more cortisol. Spend 5 minutes clearing surface space each week. This can prevent stress-inducing pile-ups of magazines, papers and other daily debris. Vacuum and dust your room every week. This keeps it looking bright, fresh, airy, and reduces allergens. Make your bed each morning. It only takes 30 seconds and makes all the difference in creating a tidier, cleaner looking bedroom. Additionally, many species of plant have been found to have fantastic sleep-boosting and calming qualities that you should look to bring into your bedroom. 

For more information on Dormeo’s Sleep Expert, Phil Lawlor visit: https://www.dormeo.co.uk/phil-lawlor