Coronavirus anxiety

As Coronavirus anxiety continues to mount, people are becoming more and more anxious. It is important to realize that we have control over some things such as our own personal hygiene, hand washing, where we go and what we do. The rest is out of our control. If you find yourself spending too much time worrying, here are some things that may help.

Recognize there is ambiguity

This is probably the most difficult thing for people who have Coronavirus anxiety to handle. If you are ruminating, or worrying too much about getting infected with Coronavirus ask yourself if you have control over what you are worrying about. Thinking of ways to reduce your risk, or changing some travel plans,  would be helpful. Those are behaviors that may keep you safer. However, if you are thinking the same thing over and over, and it is out of control, then perhaps using some of these stress management techniques listed below will help.

Don’t look online or the news all day

If you spend hours reading the latest news about the disease, you will only drive yourself crazy. There is nothing wrong with getting daily updates and finding out what you need to do to risk infection. Be sure you are looking at reliable resources from someone with an MD, PhD, from a government institution, or university. Don’t read Joe Blows blog as this may only increase your Coronavirus anxiety.

Take control where you can

We have all read in the news to wash your hands often, don’t touch your face, and stay away from people who are sick. You may also want to avoid gathering with friends or spending time in crowded places. Work from home if possible.

Meditate, exercise or do yoga

These are common stress reducing activities that many people find helpful. Even just getting out for a walk and a change of scenery can help. Doyogawithme.com and yoga with Adriene offer free online yoga classes. You might want to look at the CALM app, insight timer or headspace. These have all kinds of tools for meditation and anxiety reduction.

Practice self care

This means get a good night sleep. Eat right. Don’t drink too much. You know the drill. Drinking or eating too much may take your mind off of things in the short run, but will only make you feel worse in the long run.

Manage your time

Having things to do and goals to accomplish will keep you on track. If you are someone who does better with structure, have a schedule to follow. This is especially true if you are unable to work. Having a schedule will help you keep your sanity and reduce your Coronavirus anxiety.

Social activities

If you need to practice social distancing, think of things you can do to keep you connected with others. Talking with someone on the phone is better than texting. Just hearing someone’s voice will make you feel more connected than words on a screen. Better yet use FaceTime or Skype so you can actually see the other person and the expressions on their face.

Other activities

Do you have a pet? Pets are wonderful for your mental health. Just the warmth of the animal against you is comforting. Nothing is more comforting than the purring of a cat, or a dogs excitement at seeing you or being pet. My guess is that if you are home more, your pet is very happy too.

Perhaps you enjoy journaling. Many people find this tool  to be helpful. There is something about just writing your feelings down that helps you make sense of them, or helps you to let them go.

Hobbies

Do you enjoy doing crafty things? Perhaps you play an instrument. Maybe you enjoy doing puzzles or adult coloring books. Whatever it is that you enjoy, engage in it. This will take your mind off things and help you reduce Coronavirus anxiety.

If Coronavirus anxiety is something that you struggle with, please give me a call at 713-304-6554. Just remember that this too shall pass.

Take care,

Debbie