How To Cope With Anxiety During The Pandemic
Focus on what you can control. There are many things out of our control right now, and focusing on these things will not help your anxiety. Instead, put your attention onto what is within your power. For example, wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and limiting contact with others are all pieces of CDC advice that you can control by implementing into your own life.
If you are looking to talk further about your anxiety, feel free to reach out to me to schedule a consultation for anxiety therapy.
1. Come up with a morning and bedtime routine.
Having a routine can be a calming ritual. Although there are so many different ways to establish a routine depending on your needs, the ritual--no matter what it is--can be soothing. Plus, it is time you can carve out in your day to focus on your needs. That can look like a lot of things. Maybe it’s spending time in the morning to drink coffee and read the paper. Maybe it’s allotting time at night to have a cup of tea and do your skincare routine. No matter what it is, pick something that works for you and stick to it.
2. Pay attention to your thoughts
Everyone has been put in a completely new and scary situation over the past year. Give yourself credit for coping the ways that you can. It will not be perfect, but it doesn’t have to be. Your self care is still important. With that in mind, watch how you talk to yourself, and try to show yourself some empathy during this incredibly difficult time.
3. Name your feelings and acknowledge them
Name your feelings and acknowledge them. You are probably feeling a lot of things right now. Name them and acknowledge them. These feelings--yes, even the anxiety--comes from a valid place. Do not try to suppress your emotions, which will only make you focus on them more. Allow yourself to feel them and then continue with your day.
4. Accept uncertainty and lean into it
Uncertainty is an inescapable part of life at all times, but especially now. Instead of trying to run from it, accept it. This can help you significantly reduce your anxiety as you take the pressure off of yourself to come up with a plan to regain control.
5. Accept what is and not what if
Try not to get in the pattern of thinking about what you wish was happening instead. These “what ifs” can make it difficult for you to accept the present moment for what it is, and can lead to added feelings of distress and anxiety.
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