DEALING WITH ANXIETY DURING THE TIME OF COVID-19

These are just a few suggestions on what you can do to make things a little easier during these difficult times...

Disclaimer: Before undertaking any dietary or lifestyle changes, please consult with your physician for appropriateness and additional guidance. The information here is just that...information for educational purposes only, not to provide medical advice or treatment...

HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS:

1. Take it one day at a time...

Remember everyone is affected by the COVID pandemic, though it has been very disruptive to our way of life one of the biggest things you can do to reduce your anxiety is to take things one day at a time. Celebrate just waking up in the morning, no matter what your circumstances are.

2. Monitor your health and that of others...

Yes, the daily self-check up. Make sure to assign yourself a health number from 1-10 everyday, to help: 1 is your normal healthy self before any illness. 10 is extremely ill, to the point of needing help or hospitalization. Give yourself a number between 1 and 10 and track that number daily. If you are getting worse - for example you go from a 2 to a 7 - seek help immediately. This goes for Covid symptoms (fever, shortness of breath, etc) and for feelings of depression and anxiety.

3. Plan some fun...

Though now it's 2021, most of us are still stuck at home and can easily slide into a rut of sorts, but make sure you take time to do fun things and get some air. Take nature walks. If that's too far away, considering adding new habits like meditating, yoga, running, riding a bike - help is only a Youtube video away. The good news is these will make you feel better and don't readily involve being around people.

4. Keep in touch using technology...

You can still reach out to people via social media and video chat - use ZOOM to reach out and consider having a dinner party with friends with some of the more popular video party apps. It will improve your mood, just plan it like a boys or girls night out. It's okay to have a video group "Wine Down Wednesday" or a cook off where everyone competes to make a certain meal.

5. Avoid watching the news all the time...

It's very hard to turn off the news feeds - remember they are designed to always have you watching, but turning it off may be important for your sanity. Instead, focus on the news that you can do something about - few things will change and the most important thing is to stay apprised of the vaccine rollout and to continue to isolate as much as possible and continue wearing your mask and washing your hands.

Instead of spending hours watching the news, plan a certain time of the day to check in on events, maybe only stick with a certain news media personality to glean it all from. No matter what - don't spend hours in front of the TV (unless its Netflix hehehe ;).

6. Start meditating...

Whether it's with an app or a book on the subject, undertake the process of meditation, with at least a trial of transcendental meditation. Meditation over time, with as little as five minutes per day of effort can prove beneficial over time and will lead to better control over your emotions and reduce your anxiety. There is a lot of science behind these effects, more so than with many other types of treatment. So elect to begin meditation regularly this year.

Disclaimer: Before undertaking any dietary or lifestyle changes, please consult with your physician for appropriateness and additional guidance. The information here is just that...information for educational purposes only, not to provide medical advice or treatment...