As the coronavirus crisis continues to unfold worldwide, it’s hard not to feel some anxiety. Grocery shelves are empty, schools are closing, and millions of people are working from home.
Here’s how to quell stress and anxiety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Manage your media diet
As your media exposure increases, so does your anxiety level. Take a break from watching, reading, and listening to news stories. It is a also a good idea to limit your time online, especially social media. Remember, there is a fine line between staying informed and feeling overwhelmed by the news.
Installing a website locker will temporarily force you off websites like Twitter, which can give you terrible anxiety.
Practice self-care
Good self-care means you continually replenish yourself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Practice proper hygiene, eat healthy, balanced meals, exercise, and get adequate rest to reduce your risk of coronavirus infeciton.
During this anxiety-provoking time, prioritizing these behaviors can go a long way towards bolstering your immune system and increasing your psychological well-being.
Think outside yourself
With the outbreak of coronavirus, you may also need to consider what you can do to help stall the spread of the virus.
Limit how much time you spend outdoors and around others. If you are not feeling well, then it is best to stay home. Wear a face mask when you are around other people and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Wash your hands whenever possible.
Know you’re not alone
In the midst of COVID-19, social distancing becomes paramount. Luckily, we live in the digital age, which makes it easier for us to connect with family, friends, and colleagues, even when stuck at home by ourselves.
Just talking to someone about how you feel can help you drastically reduce your stress levels. Go ahead and call a friend. It can take a weight off your shoulders. Know that you are not alone. We’re all on this journey together.
Seek professional help if you need it
Fear and anxiety are normal reactions to events and scenarios we do not understand or pose a threat to health and safety of our loved ones.
For many, the outbreak of COVID-19 can be stressful and anxiety-inducing, and that’s normal. People who already suffered from anxiety and related disorders are more likely to have a hard time during this health crisis.
If fear and anxiety is affecting your relationships or interfering with your work and day-to-day life, then you should consider reaching out to a mental health professional.