DEALING with the anxiety of the global pandemic
It has been quite some time since the COVID-19 pandemic spread all over the world like wildfire. People lost their jobs, businesses were disrupted, schools, colleges, and jobs went online. The death, devastation, and long-term impact on people’s health took a mental toll on many. So, how do you deal with the anxiety of the global pandemic?
The healthcare system was overburdened with a large number of people affected by the COVID-19 virus. People were scared, distressed, and in a lot of mental strain and physical agony. While most recovered physically, their mental health also took a hit. The tips listed below can help you cope with pandemic anxiety.
Causes of Pandemic Anxiety
Work from home, online classes, online meetings, and lockdowns became the new normal during the pandemic. But these changes came with problems of their own. Many of us were glued to screens for most of the day. The social isolation paired with the strain on our eyes and postures contributed to pandemic anxiety.
People didn’t feel free to share what they were feeling and were distanced from loved ones like family members and friends. Humans are social beings and naturally, they longed to go out of their homes and just hangout.
There were financial problems, health-related problems, the fear of contracting COVID, and general uncertainty about the future in the air. All these factors led to anxiety and stress in many people. The effects of COVID-19 on mental health were huge.
7 Ways to Deal With The Anxiety of The Global Pandemic
Whenever we get hit by a sudden wave of anxiety, it feels like the world is falling apart. You may feel like you are underwater and don’t know how to deal with it. So here are some tips on dealing with mental health
1. Take Deep Breaths
You might have heard this a lot, and that’s because it is effective. Deep breathing helps you cope by circulating oxygen better throughout your body. Thus, it instantly improves the mood.
Count to three while breathing in, hold in the air for three seconds, and then exhale while counting to three. Fresh air calms down the nerves and can immediately calm you down. It’s a great way to deal with the anxiety of the global pandemic.
2. Listening to music
A calm, soothing sound can work wonders when you’re dealing with pandemic anxiety. All the hustle, worries, and sense of loneliness disappear when listening to some heartwarming tracks.
PHOTO: PIXABAY
Researchers have proven that music can bring down cortisol – the stress hormone – and help you feel fresh and rejuvenated. There is a reason why music therapy exists. Yes! It’s that powerful and effective.
3. Humor
This may not seem like the best way of dealing with mental health when the situations are so dire, but, as we have all read, “Laughter is the best medicine.” A good laugh boosts emotional health, calms down the nerves, and lifts your spirits when you are feeling down. You can watch a sitcom, catch a stand-up act, or just read some jokes online. It’s important to enjoy yourself! So, let laughter and joy work their magic
4. Talk about it
Sharing always reduces the burden. If you have someone you can talk to and vent your anxieties to, do it. Sit down and have a chat about it, and if a face-to-face conversation is not possible, call them and talk about it. If you don’t want to share it with anyone, write down what you’re feeling in a journal.
You are your biggest motivator and cheerleader, so try to talk yourself through it. What is not recommended is bottling down those feelings. Nearly everyone is going through pandemic anxiety, so, It’s okay to talk about it. It’s okay to feel helpless. You can also contact a licensed therapist to help you cope.
5. Exercise
Any form of exercise like running, jumping jacks, or yoga, can help you deal with the anxiety of the global pandemic. It’s essential to concentrate on your physical health as well. A few minutes of exercise can give you a tremendous serotonin boost. It will provide you with a sense of relief and relaxation.
It’s a well-established form of release, and in a turbulent time, it’s that much more effective. It also provides a sense of achievement which can further boost your happiness.
6. Reading
A good book opens up a new world for the readers to get lost in. It helps in giving a whole new perspective and outlook, and it’s important to see things in a different light, especially in tough times.
A good book can be a great companion when dealing with mental health problems or even loneliness. There are times when you can relate to a character from the book. Let yourself escape the bonds of difficulties and indulge in the pleasures that reading has to offer!
7. Setting up a goal
There is also a sense of aimlessness that accompanies anxiety. Setting up a goal can be very helpful in channeling the energy towards something productive and dealing with mental health.
The plans can be related to any aspect of life, not just professional. You can think of setting up a fitness goal, a reading goal, an exercise goal, a goal to just hang out with your friends, or to complete that TV show you were so excited about earlier.
But keep in mind, don’t put a lot of pressure on yourself and just enjoy the process because the journey is the most essential part of every destination!
Final Words
There are a gazillion ways to help you in dealing with pandemic anxiety and mental health. You can choose any of them or try all of them; it’s a matter of choice. But, taking care of mental health is not a choice, it is a necessity because of its sheer importance. Look after yourself and take care of yourself because you can only contribute to others’ well-being if you are healthy. After all, health is wealth!
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