How to Manage Anxiety During Pandemic

Between the constant and countless news updates on Coronavirus (COVID-19), it’s enough for anyone to feel overwhelmed due to social distancing or quarantining to slow its spread. World tragedies/current events take their toll on our mental health, specifically the current pandemic leaves us feeling alienated and lonely.

Epidemiologists continue to emphasize the crucial importance of self-isolating, quarantine, as well as social distancing as essential to decrease the circulation of the Coronavirus. We’re all doing our best to stay safe, but we find ourselves with more time on our hands. This new boredom adds to our ongoing worry while the stress exacerbates our anxieties, particularly for people with existing mental health disorders.

Despite the critical nature of social distancing and the fact that we all react differently, that doesn’t mean you have to stay closed up in your bedroom. Especially since staying active both mentally and physically is vital during this time.
As we previously mentioned, setting and maintaining structure is key during this time. Mix up your workouts by trying new routines. Also, work out your mind; by reading, online learning, or picking up a new hobby.

Now we all have the time to do the projects we said we never had time to do, but if you’re still unsure, we have ways to help listed down below.

• Be aware that having anxiety during an unprecedented pandemic is okay, just know that you’re not alone. Set a routine but break it down to focus on small tasks at a time to seem less overpowering.
• Undoubtedly restrict your consumption of current events, a persistent oversaturation can be overwhelming. Limit your news intake, including social media, to thirty minutes.
• Take care of yourself; eat well-balanced meals, get plenty of sleep, exercise regularly.
• Don’t overindulge in coping mechanisms like alcohol and drugs.
• Take time to unwind. Unplug, figuratively speaking, and have a much-needed “me” time and don’t forget to be easy on yourself (if you’re not productive enough, etc.).
• If possible, go outside. Taking a stroll, hike, bike ride, or whatever – while keeping 6 feet from others – can make a huge difference.
• Importantly, maintain your connection with others. Whether it’s talking with family or friends on the phone or social media, utilize video chat apps like FaceTime, Zoom, and Houseparty to keep in touch in these trying times.

Nevertheless, sadly, sometimes anxiety can’t always be self-managed. Ergo if you’re grappling, there are resources you can use such as remote digital mental health tools like chatbots like Wysa, Moodpath, as well as Woebot). Additionally, you can also use other free telehealth-based platforms like Crisis Text Line. However, these wellness tools aren’t the same as an actual health care provider. Therefore if you’re struggling — call your primary care doctor to put you in touch with a mental health care professional.