With everything going on in our society with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the information overload while trying to figure out what information is accurate and what is false, it’s enough to cause most of us to be anxious.
. . . But, what about those who already struggle with anxiety?
If you struggle with anxiety try some of these tips to help manage it during these trying times:
1. Learn how to relax. (No, we’re not saying “calm down,” because Lord knows that is a phrase that seems to have the opposite effect). Like, actually relax. We all think we know how to relax, but just chilling in front of the TV or computer is not true relaxation. Depending what you’re watching or doing, it could actually make you tenser, wound up, and stressed. Same is true if you turn to cigarettes, drugs, or alcohol to relax or “take the edge off”. It may seem like it’s relieving your anxiety at the time, but it’s a false state of relaxation and is only temporary. What the mind and body really need are relaxation techniques that have a physical effect on the mind and body; something like deep breathing, Tai Chi, or Yoga.
2. Fight anxiety with health. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, enough nourishment, enough exercise, and staying hydrated. You need to figure out the right about of sleep for YOUR body and make sure you aren’t getting too much or too little sleep. Eat well by choosing fruit, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains for long-term energy instead of those short little bursts we get from sugar or caffeine. Get your blood moving with exercise. Exercise sends oxygen to every cell in the body so your brain and body can operate at its best potential. Last, but certainty not least, don’t forget the water. Dehydration is a common problem and can cause symptoms of anxiety, panic, and poor concentration.
3. Spend time with friends and family (while keeping your distance, of course). You can organize activities to get outside, or just hang out in the virtual world. Doing things with those we feel close to will deepen our bonds, which allows us to feel supported and secured—meaning a feeling of less anxiety. Plus the fun you have will help you to feel happier and less upset, nervous, or anxious about things. Try meeting up in one of the parks or on a hiking trail that’s still open and (again, while still keeping your 6 feet apart distance) go for a weekly walk. Getting out in nature will help you feel peaceful and grounded, plus it offers the additional benefit of exercise. You can watch movies together while social distancing thanks to Netflix. You can even have FaceTime or Duo dates with friends to chat about things going on in each others’ lives and any difficulties you may be having. Just because you can’t physically lean on your friend right now, doesn’t mean you can’t emotionally lean on them.
4. Connect with nature by going out for a walk in the park or a hike in the woods. As mentioned above, it will help you feel peaceful and grounded, plus it offers the additional benefit of exercise. Take your fur baby out on the trail, or go fishing where it’s still available. Just keep aware of your surroundings so that you are social distancing from others with the same idea to get out in nature. Go sit outside on your front or back porch/patio/deck/balcony and just be. Let the fresh air hit your face. Through on your rollerblades like it’s 1999 or hop on a bike or scooter and take a spin around the block a couple times.
5. Think positive thoughts. Easier said than done, but try it. A great way to keep our minds off the worry track is to focus our thoughts or things that we see as good, beautiful, or positive. Allow yourself a little daydreaming, wishing, and imagine the best that could happen (instead of the worst).
If you struggle with anxiety, please know you’re not alone. Feeling anxious happens, but anxiety doesn’t have to rule your life.
Keeping informed with real information and updates from health officials will help. Don’t fall victim to the false information you may see on social media. Often times, a lot of users (and for whatever reason it mostly seems to be on Facebook), will see something and automatically share the info before checking the website the story is linked to, to see if it’s a reputable source. Don’t fall for it. Do your own research before sharing information.
If you don’t struggle from anxiety, but are feeling anxious during these times, these tips could help you as well.
Now, more than ever, it’s important to think of our family and friends who suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. Check in on them regularly. Ask if they need to talk, and don’t try to fix their “problems,” just listen.
Here’s some music inspo to help . . .
