Finding ways to help us with anxiety during this COVID-19 pandemic is proving to be a constant battle. The challenges for Improving our emotional wellbeing are real.
Many places around the US are beginning to loosen restrictions on what people can do and where they can go. Other areas are still under strict isolation guidelines, especially the protocol of staying at home as much as possible.
All these new regulations can feel suffocating and challenging for most people, particularly those suffering from previous anxiety disorders.
The disruption in ordinary life and daily routine, combined with more time alone at home, can be a recipe for increased levels of anxiety, stress, and depression.
Just remember that there are still a wide variety of tools you can use to help anxiety.
In this post, we are going to take a look at a few natural, fun, and simple tricks you can use every day to help ease your anxiety and feel a little bit more like yourself in no time.
As always, the key is to stick to using the tools that work well for you and practice consistency!
Keep a routine and make a daily schedule to help with anxiety
Even though you are not going to work, going out as much, and seeing friends and family as often as before, it is still vital to ensure you have a routine you can follow.
While the routine is going to look slightly different than your typical schedule, try to keep it as close as to what you had before – this will provide you with comfort and structure.
- Keep up with your preferred morning routine
- Start work if you are still working
- Take a lunch break
- Schedule in a workout
- Stop work at the same time every day
- Cook dinner nightly
- and even schedule in a daily video call with someone you would typically see daily.
All these little routines and making a schedule for the day can keep you on track with your life. You will feel productive, organized, and occupied during the day. These are essential things to help with anxiety.
Do one thing you love every day to help with anxiety
When you have more time for yourself, ensure that you are daily doing something you genuinely love. It is a simple and easy way to bring peace and joy into your life. It gives you something you can look forward to every day.
These activities will look a lot different from person to person, but you can choose to do things like:
- draw
- paint
- read
- go for a run
- walk your dog
- talk to your best friends on the phone
- sit out in the sun
- cook or bake something
- meditate
- do a relaxing stretching routine
The possibilities are endless and customizable.
Being able to wake up in the morning knowing you have something to do that day, can help ease the anxiety, and keep your spirits up.
Stay connected with your loved ones
Isolation does not mean you have to be alone. Talking on the phone, texting, and video chatting isn’t the same as going over to a friend’s house or having family over for dinner and drinks. But it can help you keep up connections, conversations, and much-needed quality time.
Humans need other humans. We need conversation, to laugh with others and the company in general. While you may not have the opportunity to do it in person as often as you would like, technology can provide you with the next best thing.
Schedule a virtual dinner party where you video chat while cooking the same meal with a friend or two. Sit down with them for dinner, eat, drink, talk, and stay safe at home.
Get creative and stay safe!