Anxiety is a prevalent issue for many folks during the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a real challenge to understand how to change this way of feeling and thinking when this has been the first time a person experiences such a life-altering phenomenon. Although, there are many negatives to focus on, and many less helpful habits to pick up such as drinking, substance use, or isolating, there are ways to address your thoughts and feelings that are beneficial to you and your health. Seeing a therapist is a great way to pinpoint the real and valid difficulties of the pandemic that can be triggering you, as well as help you work through those uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. In therapy there are many tools, small and large, that can increase your resilience and help you cope with your anxieties.
There are many ways to stay calm and grounded and many opportunities to change your perspective. Sometimes it can be as simple as having a cup of chamomile tea when you are feeling anxious; it’s a great way to end your night and give you some extra calm to help you fall asleep. Melatonin is a great natural vitamin that helps you fall asleep as well. A good night’s rest is essential to prepping your body to face a day with potential anxiety triggers. There are many more practical tips to help those moments when you are feeling anxious.
An important exercise to do that helps fine-tune your perspective is to focus on what is good that is happening. Do you feel you are having more time to spend with your kids? Are you no longer having to make that extra tedious commute to work every morning and night? Are you able to appreciate all the fun and pretty things in your home that you once bought but never had the time to use? Are you able to save money by cooking from home instead of ordering out every day for lunch? In your own life, what has been a hopeful experience during this difficult time? There are so many ways to gently recognize your anxiety and negative thoughts and to take steps in shifting your perspective to not only see the valid struggles, but also the things you can be grateful for.
