Tips to cope with Anxiety/ Low Mood during COVID 19 Pandemic


Posted on 2020-07-20 19:43:05


Social isolation and quarantine have completely flipped over our natural lifestyle. And, with change comes depression and anxiety. With this pandemic, most people are experiencing low mood. Being in a confined space with little to no contact with the outside world is bound to get hard for humans who are mostly social creatures. But this situation is unavoidable. So, it’s important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.

Staying at home should not be as miserable as you think. Want to avoid negativity and find positivity in your new everyday life? These tips will help you cope better with anxiety and low mood.

1.Be active

Staying at home has separated us from leading an active lifestyle. But, even in the quarantine, being active is very important. Exercise can decrease your anxiety and depression, reduce low mood, improve cognitive functions, and self-esteem. So, being active is a vital factor to becoming more optimistic. The hardest thing about being active in quarantine is finding motivation, especially because the gyms are closed. However, you should still try to take some time to exercise.

It can be as simple as a bit of stretching for 5 to 10 minutes in the morning. If you are too bored to work out, take a long 20 or 30-minute walk outside when you have a break from work. Yoga is also a good way to stay active. If nothing is working for you, and you keep skipping exercise, join a fitness community with online sessions. It will motivate you to make exercise a part of your daily routine.

2.Meditate

Meditation is a great way to stay grounded. Before starting your daily work, reserve 5 – 10 minutes for meditating. This can help you to clear your mind. If you are not aware of any meditation techniques look up the internet for different meditating methods. There are many resources available if you are just starting to meditate. You can also download meditation mobile apps to guide you.

3.Mindful eating

When working from home, it is easy to lose track of time. You are in front of your laptop thinking that you will get dinner after you finish this important project and before you know it, you end up missing out on your meals. Or, you eat too many snacks while working that you are no longer hungry for mealtimes. These unhealthy eating habits should be stopped at all costs. Try to eat at regular times and stop eating while working. Because you are not commuting, you can also make this a chance to cook healthy meals. When preparing food, ask all your family members to help. Fun family interaction such as cooking together will lift up your spirits and make good memories for everyone.

4.Communicate with your social circle

Instead of isolating yourself, dedicate 5 to 10 minutes every day to talk with your relatives and friends. During a phone call, don’t just stick to small talk. Communicating about your feelings can help ease any negative feelings you might be experiencing. And, try to call people rather than texting whenever possible. Hearing someone’s voice feels much better when you are coping with anxiety and low mood.

5.Maintain a routine

Following a routine is very important to increase productivity. And, when you spend every day productively, it will naturally make you feel positive. Quarantine has affected the daily routines of millions of people. When trying to adjust to this new normal, most of us forget to establish a routine.

So, you end up adapting to unhealthy habits like skipping meals, sleeping in, or working more. These habits can lead to depression and anxiety. So, always maintain a routine and divide your day into each task that you want to complete. Include set times for exercising, talking with your family and friends, and so on.

6.Do things you enjoy

Quarantine has limited the ability to do things we love to do. But you can still enjoy what you love. Make this a time to rediscover what you enjoy. Try reading new books, drawing, or getting a good laugh by watching your favourite comedy show. If you have children or pets, play with them. It will greatly lift up your mood and will be good for them too. You may not be able to do everything you enjoyed before the pandemic. But you can still find some new hobbies and have fun.

7.Help other people

This is an awful time for everyone around the world. And, many people are in need. So, take this chance to do some good by helping those in need. There are numerous ways in which you can help. You could donate money, food, or services to local food banks or do grocery shopping for an old neighbor who is more at risk of getting the virus. By helping others, you will be able to feel better instantly. All those negative feelings will disappear for good.

8.Try natural supplements to help ease your anxiety

Natural supplements are also an effective solution when dealing with anxiety and low mood. So, if you feel it’s necessary, try natural supplements or natural calming tea to help with anxiety and sleep. However, if you are currently on medications, ensure that these supplements will not have any negative effect on your health before you take them. Ask your naturopathic doctor to recommend natural supplements and herbs suitable for you.

Conclusion

Remember that it is only natural to feel anxious and depressed during a pandemic. Following these tips will make you feel better as we get through this. However, if you need further help, do not hesitate to get help. And try your best to stay positive and hopeful. There is always light at the end of this quarantine period.


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