Dealing with Pandemic Stress and Anxiety
The world has led us to be stuck at home and away from our normal lives and it is becoming more common that we are more stressed than ever. While stress can be a very normal thing and sometimes a positive motivator in achieving our goals, that doesn’t mean it should is always helpful. Pandemic stress in the long-term has negative side effects on both the mind and body. It can lead to depression and anxiety disorders, while also making the body weaker and more prone to illnesses due to being strained constantly. As such, we must learn how to adapt to our new circumstances and deal with this stress in the this 'new normal'.
Practicing meditation
Meditation’s power to manage pandemic stress is highly recommended as it is easy to start. All you have to do is find a designated space in your home where you can clear your thoughts and relax. You can do it at the times where you are most stressed and it can release a lot of pressure and tension that would be overwhelming your life. Think about reflecting and becoming more self-aware of what stresses you out. Be present and take in your surroundings. Count furniture, listen to the sounds of your surroundings. Be in tune with your senses.
Stay active in your space
Even if you don’t have a large home you can still use what you have to stay active which that includes exercise. If you don’t have a yoga mat, consider buying one because it is very versatile and you can do many floor exercises with it such as push-ups, crunches, sit-up, and more. Staying active releases endorphins that lead to a feeling of joy and this can help reduce or even get rid of stress altogether. At the very least it can be distracting. You can dance while you cook or even clean extra vigorously. Keeping your body happy and healthy is important for both your mental and physical condition.
Developing the hobby or routine of exercise is vital to staying active. Start small then work your way up if you have to. Having a daily schedule can be incredibly useful as well because it keeps you in check and can also be something to look forward to at the start or end of the day. As long as you keep at it you will find your mood improving along with your body.
Talk to others online
Video chatting with friends and families has become a very common pastime and it helps a lot of people cope with the monotony of everyday life. Talking to others, staying social helps relieve and manage stress because of the interaction itself. Sharing your issues and problems can be therapeutic, or even if you don’t talk about that, simply interacting with other people in isolation is a good way to lift your spirits.
A great way to have a reliable person to talk to is to speak to a professional. Their job is to help you with your mental health and listen to your problems. They can even help identify what triggers your stress and more. Most likely if you do start seeing a professional you will have a consistent schedule which is good to constantly keep you and your pandemic stress in check. Consider seeing a professional under Infinit Care and begin your mental health journey with us by signing up here.
