If you are starting to have some anxiety in regards to COVID-19 it is only natural. We have seen the global pandemic escalate across the globe. Slowly schools are closing, major events canceled, flights and travel delayed and canceled. It is something we have not seen in our lifetime. Furthermore even seeing grocery stores with massive lines out the front and supplies disappearing from the shelves is enough to cause someone a little angst. In fact, it increases the perception that something looming dangerous is approaching. What’s more? There is such a huge element of uncertainty involved. For example, most people are unaware of exactly how many people are infected currently or how long it takes for a cure! Also the stock market. There has been a significant decline, one we haven’t seen in decades. What does this mean for our futures, for price inflation, for job security, etc. There is an endless list of concerns all seemingly jumbled together.
What Does This Make People Feel?
For the most part, it feels like the world is falling apart. This is the beginning of the end, and we have reached doomsday. It gets worse with everything flooding through on twitter, Instagram, Facebook the news! It’s hard to differentiate between what is real, what is fake, and what is reliable. Should all of this being getting to know and starting to make you feel a little concerned, no worries. You are far from being the only one.
So What Can You Do To Stop From Spiraling Into Anxiety?
Firstly let’s mention the importance of managing anxiety. People with severe levels of anxiety tend to be less healthy. So it is both in your best interest physically and mentally to keep a calm head. Now let’s talk about real steps you can do.
- It would be great to reach out to a mental health professional or life coach. These trained professionals can do a lot to bring about a little control in what seems like a brain full of chaos. Can’t meet with them in person? That’s were solutions like OnLifeCoach come into play. Where you can make appointments online, or through the phone and work on your mental health are from the safety and comfort of your home.
- Try a strategy called temporal distancing. This is an exercise where you imagine yourself in the future and looking back on this time years from now. It can help relieve in the moment overwhelming feelings and allow you to distance yourself from them a little. Be careful of the amount of information you take in. Make sure you know enough to keep yourself informed and safe, but not too much that you are overwhelmed and stressed out.
- Stay busy. Put the phone down, even if you’re stuck at home try cooking something, maybe a home yoga session, listen to music. But walk away from all the distractions of your phone and computer.
These are just a few things to get you started, but make sure you try these to help alleviate your stress. The better off we all are mentally the better off we will be physically. And both types of health are just as valuable as the other. Everyone stay safe and healthy.