Experiencing any disruption of daily living can be stressful and overwhelming. But dealing with a pandemic of volatile complexity can create a substantially more challenging experience, especially if you have difficulty navigating change. Between sheltering in place and incessant news reports, it’s not surprising some individuals begin to experience anxiety.
Transitions can be stressful for anyone.
Even when positive and exciting, they have potential to feel overwhelming. That stress feels worse if you have repeated bouts of depression. When depression and anxiety seem overwhelming, you may feel powerless, especially when facing the unknown qualities of something as random as COVID-19.
Understanding that you may be at greater risk for anxiety and depression, now is the time to take steps to minimize the effects of these emotional states.
You do have some control.There are actions you can take to make the COVID-19 pandemic less intolerable. If you view them as the simple challenges they are, you will come through this stronger and healthier.
Four possibilities:
Create a routine or daily schedule to keep you on track. Get out of bed, shower, and dress- even if your attire is super casual. Do not stay in your pajamas.
Create an exercise regimen if you don’t already have one. Stretch, breathe, lift light weights or just get your heart rate up. It does not matter what you do as long as you do something daily. You can even meditate.
Take in fresh air. Open your curtains to bring in sunshine and windows for fresh air.
Limit TV newscasts. Do not stay glued to the news.
While you’re unable to control the path of a virus, you can keep yourself physically prepared. Preparation informs us how to proceed through clarity and calm, obliterating many negative feelings. Every day is a new beginning.
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