It is not uncommon to experience anxiety when faced with a stressful or worrying situation. Since the onset of the coronavirus, cases of social isolation, anxiety and depression have increased.
Have you experienced feelings of fear, apprehension or worry? Have you had any physical symptoms of anxiety like palpitations, chest pain, or breathlessness? Sometimes this can interfere with your normal life and excessive anxiety can be linked to depression.
So what can you do to stay as anxiety free as possible during COVID 19? Here’s 10 ways you can beat anxiety during COVID:
- Find a new hobby – Instead of focusing on the things that you can’t control, take the time to transfer your thoughts and efforts to learning a new skill. Hobbies such as painting, journaling or walking can be very therapeutic and help decrease your anxiety levels.
- Video chat with loved ones – Though many of us feel isolated during this time, thankfully we have technology to bring us a little closer to the ones we love. Schedule virtual happy hours with friends or weekly family chats to keep your loved ones near safely.
- Meditate – Take time to clear your mind. There are many apps that can help you feel more calm and grounded.
- Read a book – When you get engrossed in a book, it can take your mind off things. Find a good book and curl up on the sofa.
- Develop a nighttime routine – Develop a healthy nighttime routine. Often anxiety can keep you from getting the rest you need which only makes things worse. Listen to meditation music or consider placing a calming scent on your pillow to help you ease anxiety.
- Consider Behavior Therapy – Here you are made to face your fear in a planned environment, and using different relaxation techniques, you are made to accept and overcome your anxiety and panic. This helps you to become more confident about managing fear and anxiety, and also prepares you to face any kind of stress-inducing situations. Many doctors and therapists are offering these services virtually.
- Consider Cognitive-behavioral therapy – This is the most popular and effective type of psychotherapy to overcome your anxiety. The goal is to understand your thinking process and help you develop coping skills before your anxiety takes over. This allows you to challenge false or self-defeating beliefs and think positive.
- Learn relaxation techniques – Relaxation techniques play an important role in relieving anxiety symptoms. Consider trying yoga or other relaxing techniques to help you beat anxiety.
- Improve your eating habits – eating a well balanced diet and reducing your caffeine and sugar intake can help ease your anxiety and mood.
- Share your troubles – Try to reach out to trusted friends and family and share your troubles. Do not let your problems fester. It is very common and you are not alone, so don’t hesitate to seek help.
Anxiety will not defeat you. Seek medical attention right away if you are having suicidal thoughts or other thoughts of self-harm. Utilize these tips so you can work towards beating anxiety. If you’d like more tips like these, join our facebook group – The Lively Ones and follow me on all social media at Dr Celeste MD.
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Dr. Celeste Reese-Willis is a highly esteemed Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, Concierge and Virtual Medicine Program Owner, Best-Selling Author, National Speaker, and Media expert. She is a sought-after physician in her community of Birmingham, Alabama and prides herself in helping busy professionals find solutions for their acute and chronic medical needs. If you need COVID-19 Rapid Antibody Testing in the Birmingham area, please go to www.drcelestec19.com to schedule your appointment.
