5 Simple Tips to Reduce Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The coronavirus has made its way into our local communities. Schools and businesses are closing. Folks are being asked to stay home whenever possible and keep social distancing. The World Health Organization has called it a pandemic as it has spread worldwide.  People are concerned about their family’s health, food supplies, financial loss, isolation and the possibility of losing a loved one. On top of that, we are constantly being bombarded with news reports and social media with details of what is happening all around the world, most of it painting a bleak forecast. All of this can be overwhelming. At this point in time, people are experiencing different levels of anxiety. Anxiety symptoms can include excessive worry, fear, increased heart rate, hypervigilance, restlessness, irritability, fatigue, insomnia, and changes in appetite, amongst others.  Here are 5 tips that can help you manage anxiety during this season. 1. Disconnect  The constant flow of information can be overwhelming. Yes, you should stay informed, but you don’t have to stay connected to the news media 24/7. Give yourself permission to take breaks from the news and any source of stressful information. After you do that, go to step #2. 2. Breathe When we are anxious, our muscles can tighten up and our breathing can become shallow. Taking deep breaths helps us relax. Did you know that extending your exhale activates the calming part of the nervous system? The parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), known ...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Anxiety and Panic coronavirus COVID-19 quarantine Worry Source Type: blogs