7 Ways To Manage Anxiety During The Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) - The Virus Felt Around The World
Many local, state, and national municipalities are taking steps to their citizens by implementing new rules, laws, and procedures in an attempt to limit and contain the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic in March 2020.
To stop the spread of COVID-19, health officials and authorities worldwide are recommending (and sometimes requiring) that people around the globe "self-quarantine" or "shelter-in-place." If you need support with travel anxiety during this time, seek help from various online therapy services.
Social Distancing, Sheltering-in-Place, And Self-Quarantine
According to health experts, social distancing precautions can help limit the spread of the coronavirus via person-to-person contact. As a result, cities worldwide have placed a ban on travel and leisure activities, asking the public to temporarily halt participation in non-essential services (especially group gatherings and social activities).
This means that businesses, public venues, restaurants, schools, and other places where people typically gather daily have virtually come to a standstill in some areas.
While families are hunkering down and preparing to shelter-in-place (except for essentials), anxiety is higher worldwide. People who have anxiety on an ordinary day may feel the pressure of world events increasing or intensifying their anxiety symptoms.
With the latest news surrounding the pandemic, people around the world are wondering how to stay calm.
In this article, we'll explore seven strategies you can use to help manage and reduce anxiety during these stressful times.
Tip #1. Take A Break From The News.
More cases of COVID-19 are being reported every day. With the entire world on the edge of its seat, it's no wonder that people living with anxiety and related mental health disorders are having higher-than-normal bouts of anxiety.
It's important to keep up with the news about the virus to make the best health decisions for you and your family, but this doesn't mean you should stay tuned in every second of the day. Instead, it's all right to check verified news sources periodically for important updates from local and regional news outlets and public health decision-makers.
When possible, the task of getting news updates with a friend or family, so it doesn't fall entirely on you to be informed. It's easy to become overwhelmed. Constantly tuning in and digesting world news is not the best way to keep your mental state in check.
Tip #2. Get Your Blood Flowing With Short Bursts Of Exercise.
It might seem strange to exercise at a time like this but getting your blood flowing is one of the best ways to move stuck energy. Your mind and body will thank you for doing a few minutes of yoga stretches, deep breathing exercises, and cardio.
Even running in place for a few minutes can help relieve tension and stress in your body and your mind. When there's limited blood circulation, tension can build up in the body. Get moving whenever you can to reduce this tension and keep anxiety from becoming unmanageable.
Tip # 3. Organize And Catch Up On Overdue Projects, Homework, Etc.
Remember all of those projects you've been putting off because you didn't have time to do them last year? Now is a great time to tackle projects around the house that have been needing attention. If you're not a DIY expert, don't be afraid to use internet resources for simple ways to complete your projects.
You'll likely feel an added sense of relief when you look at all you've accomplished. The anxiety surrounding these unfinished tasks can fade, and you'll feel better knowing you're still making steady progress toward your goals.
Tip #4. Create A Daily Schedule To Combat Anxiety And Boredom.
One of the biggest drivers of anxiety in our lives is not knowing what to do next. If you experience anxiety, you may benefit from writing out a daily schedule that outlines how you will spend your day. You might feel better if you create a simple schedule that highlights important parts of your day.
Some self-quarantined Twitter users are their schedules online, along with tips for managing anxiety during the coronavirus crisis. Parents who have children out of school and who also experience anxiety will likely benefit from creating a schedule and following it until things get back to normal.
Tip #5. Check-In With Yourself By Practicing Self-Care.
It should go without saying that practicing self-care during times of high stress is what everyone should strive to do. However, many of us save the best for last and forget to take care of ourselves until we start feeling run-down, overwhelmed, or extremely anxious. Take advantage of the downtime associated with COVID-19 and practice some self-care exercises. The following are eight examples of self-care activities you can do at home:
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Salt Bath
- Hot Tea/Hot Chocolate
- Self-Massage
- Couples Massage
- Deep Breathing Exercises
- Deep Stretching Exercises
Tip #6. Talk To A Mental Health Professional Online.
If your anxiety seems to be spiraling out of control, reach out to a mental health professional online for guidance and support. A licensed mental health professional can provide distance-therapy and real-time options for coping with the anxiety surrounding COVID-19.
For people who aren't able to go into therapists or doctor's offices because of self-imposed quarantine and local shelter-in-place restrictions, there are several options for getting support from the comfort of your home.
Online counseling is growing in popularity, and studies show it can improve your mental health. One such study from Palo Alto University found that video-based cognitive behavior therapy is effective in treating depression and anxiety. According to the research, approximately 73% of study participants saw an improvement of symptoms after six weeks, and the data suggests a “decelerated decrease in symptoms over time.”
Therapists and counselors at BetterHelp are available online to help you ease symptoms of anxiety and stress. BetterHelp also offers affordable pricing options typically comparable with most insurance plans’ co-pays, making it an economical choice. Consider the following reviews of BetterHelp counselors from people like you.
“Tonya has been an amazing support system during COVID and during a life-changing time that is extremely difficult emotionally & physically. She has helped me to feel less overwhelmed as well as validating my feelings. I strongly recommend her!”
“Lisa was just an incredible person to work with. I work in the health care industry and was feeling like I was going to lose my mind with the COVID-19 virus first and second wave, she was just the best person for me during this time. She guides you on how to work with your feelings and grow from them, how to work out your brain, and how you can train your thoughts to make life a little bit more manageable each day. I was suffering from crippling anxiety (that eventually turned into physical symptoms), panic attacks, depression, and fatigue from work/COVID. She listens to you and reflects with you about how these situations are hard and that you have every right to these feelings. She also would provide a different perspective that would just help bring you back down to earth and reminds you that you are human, and we can all grow from every hard situation and scenario. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Lisa and will always be grateful to her for the new perspective on life and all of the new tools I have to help manage life, which has made me feel like a better person. Thank you, Lisa! I hope to reconnect with you soon!”
Leading therapy sites like BetterHelp, DoctorOnDemand, and TalkSpace offer low-cost options for coronavirus online therapy from licensed professionals regardless of where you are in the world. To connect with a licensed therapy provider at BetterHelp, visit the main website from your desktop computer or tablet. The BetterHelp app is available as a free download on the Google Play and App Stores.
Download BetterHelp on the App Storehere.
Download BetterHelp on Google Playhere.
(Free) Telephone, Chat, And Online Resources For Managing Mental Health Concerns From Home
If you need to talk to someone or get help for managing your anxiety at home, you can also take advantage of the following resources.
- The NAMI Helpline - 800-950-NAMI (6264)
This hotline offers crisis text support for people during the coronavirus outbreak.
As a precautionary measure, the NAMI crisis telephone line will be only be answering voicemails within 24-48 business hours of receipt.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800-273-TALK (8255)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline - 800-656-HOPE (4673)
Tip #7. Follow The Advice Of Your Local And Regional Health Authorities.
The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are two primary resources responsible for monitoring and reporting updates on COVID-19. These two organizations are working together with other public health and safety organizations to contain and reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
The WHO recommends these basic measures at this time:
- Wash your hands frequently; maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.
- Practice social distancing; maintain at least three feet between you and others.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent transferring germs from contact.
- Practice good respiratory hygiene. Use tissues or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
***If you have a fever, cough, and chills, seek medical care early - call your medical provider by phone before going to any facility.
If you have been advised to "shelter-in-place," follow the rules and regulations set by your local public health department and your local authorities. Verify your information sources, and don't rely on gossip to make critical decisions.
If you need to speak to a licensed counselor or therapist about dealing with anxiety around the coronavirus, help is available.
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