How to Deal With Covid anxiety?
It’s normal to struggle in such unusual and uncertain times. For most of us, an event such as a pandemic is completely unfamiliar and unprecedented. We may not even realise the extent to which our emotional and mental health is placed under stress until we look back on this time in future years. Not only do we have to deal with the stress of hoping that we and our loved ones stay safe and healthy, repeated time periods of lockdown and restriction affect almost every area of life. We cannot grieve the dead as we normally would due to limitations on numbers of people attending funerals;
We cannot meet up with our friends and our families as we normally would – And many of us now work and exercise remotely ie) physically alone through a virtual medium.
We have to find new ways to express ourselves creatively and to enjoy our hobbies. Our ability to date and to meet new people is also severely hampered. With so many limitations on our lives how can we bring some kindness, nurture and care into our daily routines? The below offers some suggestions, however I also wish to acknowledge that we are going through collectively is difficult. At the moment let’s support ourselves and each other as much as possible within extremely difficult
circumstances.
Physical Activity
Whether it’s going for a walk or taking a class online, exercise has been shown to do wonders for our physical and mental health. If you find the idea of intensive or lengthy exercise overwhelming or off- putting commit to just five or ten minutes a day.
This could be as a simple as a walk around the block or a quick jog. Over time you may find that the positive feelings that you experience make you naturally want to stay at it a little bit longer. I believe it’s important to listen to our bodies. Building up slowly makes it more likely that you will develop a sustainable habit.
Meditation
There is strong evidence that meditation increases brain health and improves wellbeing. During this time many of us may find that our minds are racing and that we are not sleeping as well.
By committing to a short daily meditation we create time and space to slow the mind and take a time out for ourselves. I suggest starting with 15 mins a day. Bring your awareness to observe your breath without trying to change it. Each time you notice that you are thinking or day dreaming simply bring your attention back to the breath again. Don’t be surprised or too hard on yourself if your mind wanders.
Accepting the Present
Moment with Compassion for Self
During this time it is normal to feel feelings such as sadness, anger, loneliness, grief and anxiety. You may find that making space for these feelings through therapy, journaling, or chatting with a friend
can be a way to support yourself. Many of us distract ourselves from these uncomfortable feelings, however welcoming them in a safe and supportive space can be a good way to release tension, realise that we aren’t alone, and address the needs that are behind our feelings.
