COVID ANXIETY: WHAT’S YOUR CHOICE?

In this new world of the pandemic and whatever the ‘new normal’ is going to be, there’s an added level of stress for many of us:  Job’s don’t look the same, school doesn’t look the same, some people have been made redundant, more have had financial difficulties and the typical trip to the grocery store happens once a week under a mask and with sanitized hands.

The changes have caused stress, and the stress has caused anxiety…or vice versa.  The uncertainty of the situation adds another level to an already tense situation.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and out of control.  Our emotions are particularly heightened during this time.  It’s easy to use ineffective or even destructive coping methods or pretend to just ignore the whole situation.

Noone is fine.  Everyone is experiencing some level of stress surrounding the pandemic, and yes that’s normal.

The issue exists surrounding what you do about it, or if you do anything.

When you’re feeling like you are in a particularly bad place, there are 3 strategies that can help you change how you’re feeling.

1. Recognize and name the emotion.  Don’t make yours;f wrong for feeling something or simply being emotional.  Allow yourself room to process and accept that this is how you’re experiencing things right now.
2. Move.  Do something that is physical:  walk, run, bike, dance, yoga, ….whatever that looks like for you.  Being physical fundamentally changes how your brain works, allowing more positivity and optimism to enter.
3. Journal.  Seriously dump all of your thoughts out on paper and let them be.  This is cathartic and allows space in your mind for different thoughts.  This process will allow clarity and peace.

And remember, this is temporary.  

You have a choice in how you react to this situation.  You have the ability to control your thoughts and emotions, and by choosing something different, you allow space to create something new.

Choose.  In those moments when things are overwhelming, choose something different.  Choose to take control.

xo

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

For information on Anxiety, click here.

A useful guide for improving mental health during the covid pandemic.

For more information on how we are responding to the pandemic, click here.