As we all work to understand the “new normal,” everyday life can be stressful, confusing, and unpredictable – maybe even too predictable depending on your situation. The world is chaotic and even though it is likely that we’ll be social distancing for a while, that doesn’t mean your mind and body need to be in a constant state of stress. Keep your mind clear and your body calm using these methods and resources.

Meditation

Meditation is one of the easiest ways to be mindful of your mental health. It requires nothing but a few minutes of your time and reap rewards over time as you manage your new routine. Here are some tools that can get you into a healthy meditation routine.

• Insight Timer – Insight Timer offers a free library of over 30,000 guided meditation sessions.
• Aura – This mindfulness app provides the user with daily micro-meditations that last only three minutes apiece.
• Breethe – Breethe is a free app that provides users with supportive tools and guidance to help them stay on track with their meditation practices throughout the day.
• Buddhify – Meditation sessions are organized by theme according to where you are in your day.
• Calm – This app is great for meditation, mindfulness, and changing your life in a positive way.
• Headspace – Headspace offers spoken-word exercises that are designed to be used for approximately 10 minutes a day.

Yoga

In times like these, there are few activities better suited to relieve stress and improve your physical health than yoga. You can even include the kids, since most of them are used to it being a part of their day at school in most classrooms.

• Cosmic Kids Yoga – This free YouTube channel is perfect for kids and families. With popular themes like Disney movies and holiday scenes, it’s engaging and fun for all ages.
• Glo Online Yoga – Need a yoga program that fits your needs and schedule, check out Glo Online Yoga.

Laughing

They say laughter is the best medicine, and in these unusual times, who’s to say they’re wrong? Watching comedy together, or alone, is a great way to allow your mind to relax and take a pause from any stressors you may be facing. Here are some great places to have a chuckle:

• America’s Funniest Videos – Yes, the show you loved in the 90s is still around, and with an active YouTube channel. Pop some corn and enjoy!
• Netflix – Need a large dose of humor? Netflix has plenty of options for hours of hilarity. In fact, Uproxx has put a list together that will make it easy for you.

However you choose to give your mind a break, be sure that you build a healthy routine that will benefit you for the long term.