COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on billions of lives in many different ways. From worldwide lockdowns to delayed logistics to supply shortages, it seemed like an endless list of problems without a light at the end of the tunnel. People have also felt exhausted despite spending most of their time at home, leading to feelings of nausea and dizziness.
The pandemic has caused a spike in stress levels, with much of the general population feeling more anxious and depressed given their isolation from their loved ones and inability to live life as usual. Since people were mostly restricted to their homes, movements were a lot less—no more commuting to work or school, no more running errands, no more walking around the neighbourhood. Instead, they were confined to staring at a screen, significantly contributing to stress and fatigue. People have also begun to complain of increased dizziness without knowing how to combat this.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to fight your dizziness while lowering your stress levels. Here are five ways to do just that:
Get Some Fresh Air
Staying indoors for extended periods isn’t good for anyone and is very likely contributing to your stress and dizziness. Even though social distancing is required, it doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to go outside.
Your brain needs regular stimulation to feel happy and active, requiring unpredictable surroundings like wildlife skittering about, birds swooping by, and leaves falling. Walking around your neighbourhood while wearing a mask is a great way to introduce some new stimuli into your day to day routine. You’ll also be allowing your brain to experience and process new things, breaking the monotony of your everyday tasks.
Try New Activities
Although your favourite haunts may be closed right now, that doesn’t mean you can’t try anything new in the comfort of your home. You can explore online exercise classes to make sure you stay active, reducing your nausea. You can also dive into new, complicated recipes in the kitchen, which simultaneously expands your repertoire. Another hobby that stimulates your mind and creativity is knitting or crocheting, which gives your brain something productive to focus on, ultimately reducing stress and dizziness.
Walk With a Friend
COVID-19 has been an incredibly lonely time for many people, as the exceptionally infectious virus has kept friends and families apart for almost a year now. However, you can take socially distanced walks while wearing masks with a friend who lives nearby, allowing you to catch up in person and get some exercise in the process. Connecting with someone face-to-face while enjoying the outdoor scenery will do wonders for your overall health. The rush of joy you’ll feel will also help lower the dizziness you’ve been feeling.
Practice Meditation
Meditation is a fantastic way to connect with yourself and the environment around you and has been proven to decrease depression and anxiety symptoms. It has also been touted for its benefits in lowering blood pressure, improving sleep quality, and boosts your quality of life. It silences the noise of current events and your anxious thoughts, allowing you to tap into your inner self to find peace. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy some quiet moments in an incredibly chaotic world. If you aren’t sure where to start, there are many helpful guided meditations on YouTube.
Ask for Help
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your dizziness and feelings of general unease continue to skyrocket. In that case, don’t be afraid to reach out for help, whether it’s a counsellor, a psychologist, or even a vestibular therapist. These therapists can prescribe a vestibular exercise program, which will improve your balance and reduce issues related to dizziness.
Conclusion
Feeling dizzy often gets in the way of performing regular activities, whether simple tasks such as eating, reading, or washing the dishes. Fortunately, these five ways will reduce your dizziness, restore balance, and improve your quality of life.
Centre Street Physiotherapy is a vestibular clinic in Calgary offering various services, including therapeutic massage, knee physiotherapy, dry needle therapy, nutrition consultation, and more. We provide the best biomechanical assessment, rehabilitation, and complimentary general healthcare available. Contact us today to book an appointment!
