When Coronavirus hit the entire world felt like it was put on pause. Suddenly individuals were secluded into their homes and abruptly revoked of their daily rituals. Ones that many relied on to maintain a balanced life and good mental health. Feeling anxious right now? You are not alone. The ways in which most of the world has been forced to live over this last year is much more isolated and restricted than we are used to. It’s challenging and overwhelming to try and find a new normal. Especially while having to continue to work and provide for ourselves while ideally keeping a sense of optimism for the future. If only there were more hours in a day…
Here are 6 tips to help deal with coronavirus anxiety when you (literally) don’t have anywhere to go…
- Reach out to friends and family
It can be extremely hard not to know the next time we can hug our loved ones. Especially for those who have friends and family living in parts of the world that are not accessible due to travel restrictions. Nonetheless, thanks to technology, we can stay connected with texts, phone calls, and video chats. It can reduce angst significantly to pick up the phone and call a loved one. Expressing any feelings of concern you are having about the virus and the effects it’s having on your life is a great way to clear your head. Try designating a portion of the conversation to express your anxieties and then finish the conversation off on a more lighthearted topic. A simple game where you list 3 things you are grateful for or found funny in the past days can be a great way to lift your mood and end your call feeling less anxious.
- Create a routine
Many people are now having to turn their home into their office, school, etc. It can be difficult to switch on work mode when you are in your living room where you are usually unwinding from the day. Something to integrate into your routine is the concept of “dressing the part.” Even though it’s tempting to have a conference call in your pajamas, throwing on some nice work attire every morning might help you switch into boss mode and take on the workday ahead. Changing out of your work clothes and into something comfy can act as the trigger point for your brain to know when it’s time to relax and unwind.
- Separate Work From Pleasure
Do not work where you rest. It can be tempting to stay cozy in bed all day while working, but this can be damaging to your sleep routine. Find where it is you work best and designate this as your workspace. Just as important is finding a space that you know is solely for relaxation. When you are feeling overwhelmed, a change in scenery can make all the difference. In times when it’s not encouraged to walk aimlessly around the city, keeping a safe space like your bedroom for times of rest and restoration can help in calming down and unwinding when you are feeling tense, anxious, or overwhelmed.
- Regulate how much and what sources you get information from
Knowledge is power. However, at a certain point, it can begin to negatively affect your mental health. Spending all day online reading information about the virus can lead you into a spiral of conflicting information that can increase anxiety. For this reason, try to refrain from going on social media or any news sources first thing in the morning so you can control the tone of your day. Also, find a couple of reliable sources to get your information and ignore the rest. This will not only limit how much time you spend fixating on the virus but will also prevent you from becoming overwhelmed by conflicting information and/or opinions.
- Exercise
Exercise is one of the quickest and most effective ways to boost your mood and calm anxiety. Getting into a good workout routine can help cope with overall stress and wellbeing. The dopamine kick you get from breaking a sweat is an extremely effective way of getting yourself out of a funk. If you are feeling extremely anxious and feel like you cannot control your negative thought patterns, try doing some slower movement like yoga. Finally, breathwork or meditation is something that can create a huge shift in your mood. Taking the time to sit still, shut off your mind, and just breathe allows you to press reset on a day that was previously riddled with anxiety.
- Concerned about Contracting the Virus?
Try to avoid going outside unless necessary. When you do go, avoid large crowds, wear a mask, and always wash your hands right when you arrive home! Also, a little tip if you get overwhelmed doing groceries during coronavirus. Try going either right when stores open or before they close. It is likely that the store will have significantly fewer people than during the day.
Whereas there have been people who are either addicted to some sort of drug or any other addictive substance that might have suffered in this difficult time. However, one can simply search for any opiate treatment services Florida. The times we are living through are undoubtedly difficult and scary. Staying home, washing your hands, and wearing a mask is an act of love for yourself and every single person on the planet. Together we will get through this!
