We live in some crazy times…we are in the midst of the most extreme health pandemic that we have ever witnessed. It is okay to feel scared and anxious…there are so many unknowns right now, but one fact remains, that we need to remain calm and keep our shit together people.
Whether you are someone who struggles with anxiety or are feeling relatively new heightened feelings of anxiousness, let’s talk about some ways we can help relax and calm our nerves in this time of crisis.
Curbing Anxiety From COVID-19 Crisis
Get Moving
Many of us are now feeling like we under house arrest, which let’s be frank, we kind of are. Many establishments are now closing/closed and this is leaving us at home feeling lost. One of the best ways to combat these anxious feelings is to get moving! Exercise has a powerful impact on your emotional and mental state.
We are in the era of having technology at our fingertips, so use it! There are many free online fitness classes that can help you to keep moving in these scary times. Be sure to check out our Facebook page as we will be constantly sharing at home workouts over the next few weeks to help you move!
Remember, if you are not experiencing symptoms, you may still get outside and go for a walk, run, or bike ride. These activities will allow you to get out of the house, get moving, and still practice safe social distancing.
Video Communication
These times may leave you feeling isolated and this is ultimately the goal to help stop spread of COVID-19 – isolation. Let’s combat this by still being social via video communication. There are so many incredible free video apps that now exist to allow you to stay in contact with friends and family – use them!
Sinking into a state of depression may make you feel like you don’t want to talk to anyone, but more often than not this is the worst thing you can do. Force yourself to reach out. Still remain in contact with those you love via video chat. It’s okay to reach out more than ever and you are not alone.
Video apps to use:
- Facetime
- Skype
- Zoom
- What’s App
- Google Hangouts
Meditation
Keep calm and breath. The power of breath is incredible. Some deep breathing exercises are one of the easiest and free ways to relax. There are numerous free guided mediation videos that you an find on Youtube. We will continue to share some of our favorite guided mediation videos on our Facebook page as well, so keep an eye out for those.
Stay Busy
Think of this time of isolation as a blessing, meaning it is your opporunity to do things you otherwise would not have had the time to do. This is your time to enjoy reading, painting, putting a puzzle together, going through your clothes, organizing your closet, playing boardgames with those you live with, etc. Just aim to stay busy – a busy body means a busy mind with little time to focus on how scared and anxious you are feeling.
Take a Break From The News
I am not saying to entirely tune out to what is going on, but take a break. It is extremely overwhelming to view social media and see talks of COVID-19 everywhere. Seeing how people are panicking, people left with no income, people without enough supplies, etc. Take a break. Get away from it. Opt to do something instead you enjoy and consider limiting your overall exposure to the media.
Remember You Are Not Alone
Most importantly, just remember you are not alone and in times like this we need to stick together. Let’s avoid the panic and do our best to remain calm. Aim to be there for your fellow human even if that means from a distance.