DON'T PANIC :: Tips to reduce anxiety

Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all feel. Anxiety happens in two places - our body and our mind. When we are anxious our body reacts; we may have temperature changes (sweat or chills). Our heart rate increases and it becomes harder to breath. We may feel like we are on edge and start fidgeting, biting our nails, playing with our hair or shaking our legs. Along with the physiological changes, our thought processes change. We may have catastrophic thoughts, negative thinking, and stuck thinking. We may find it hard to focus or concentrate on anything. Both symptoms in our mind and body impact our sleep, appetite and our reactions to others. 

We can feel particularly anxious when we feel like we have no control in the situation. Perfect example, COVID 19. We as Americans are used to having unlimited freedom. We get to stay out as late as we want, travel to any country, eat out, and enjoy parks/museums/theaters. We get to do as we please! And, now all of a sudden, it feels like our freedom has been taken away and some people are panicking. Panic can look different for each of us. While some are hoarding cases of toilet paper and water, others are constantly googling answers to their questions. 

I get it, this is a scary time. But trust me when I say, DON'T PANIC. We actually have more control and freedom in this pandemic than you think! If you make the conscious choice to social distance, wash your hands (for at least 20 seconds) and stay healthy (mind and body), things will be okay. 

To reduce your anxiety regarding COVID 19, follow these 4 easy steps. 

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1. ​Reduce screen time. Take a break from social media and scrolling. Remove notifications and limit the news you read. You are safe and contained in your house. Does it really matter what celebrity tested positive
2. Be prepared. Limit store runs to the essentials, there is no need to hoard. Even with shelter in place guidelines, stores will be open.
3. Get comfy, get your diffuser going, grab a good book, where comfy clothes, put on your fuzzy socks and cuddle up in your cozy blanket.
4. Practice gratitude. In difficult times, it is hard to look at the positives. Start and end your day with one thing you are thankful for ("Today I am grateful for...."). We really are still so blessed! Had COVID 19 arrive during a different decade, we would not have the technology to communicate with others, stream videos, read books on devices and get updates from around the world. We get to stay in the comfort of our own home with our loved ones and we have nothing else but time. What is there to complain about?

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