Managing Anxiety During COVID-19

Sitting at my desk today with the sunlight beaming in through the windows, it feels like a typical spring day.  The birds are chirping, the flowers are blooming, the wind softly breezes through the air.  However, this is not any spring day.  Rather the world has been adjusting to a new way of life where we are faced with the virus of COVID-19.

Schools and businesses are closed, we are not permitted to take a stroll down the boardwalk, handshakes are considered dangerous and a cough will send rippling stares your way.  We are living in a unique time where to stay strong together, we must stay apart.

As much of the world has been remaining positive and focusing on the good of times and gratitude for something as simple as a breath of fresh air, there are many people who are living with anxiety during this time of uncertainty.

Moments like these, I become even more grateful for my study and practice of Emotional Intelligence – identified as the ability to recognize and manage one’s emotions.  Emotional Intelligence is the foundation of success in every aspect of life and now more than ever we need to spread the awareness and practice of Emotional Intelligence for ourselves and our children.

When one does not have a strong foundation of our well-being, anxiety can quickly take over.  We create scenarios that do not exist, we fear the unknown, and we tend to make irrational decisions. 

In order to manage anxiety, it is imperative that we take the time to breathe, take care of our bodies both physically and mentally and maintain positive relationships not only with ourselves but with others.

Listed below are some tips to alleviate stress and anxiety:

Taking Care of our Physical Self:

-         Go out for a walk in the neighborhood

-         Exercise – there are many online exercise classes available, many are free!

-         Take a bike ride

-         Play with your pets

-         Do activities with your kids

-         Go for a hike

-         Take deep breaths (inhale slowly, count to four and exhale slowly)

-         Practice yoga

-         Play basketball if you have a net at your house

-         Turn on music and dance

-         Get a good night’s sleep

Focusing on our Mental Health:

-         Journal writing

-         Meditation (there are many guided meditations available on YouTube)

-         Read a self-help book

-         Establish daily goals

-         Pray

-         When a negative thought occurs, understand the root of the thought and reframe it to something positive

-         Turn off the news

-         Limit social media, other than for engagement with friends and funny memes!

-         Watch a funny movie or show (I love the “Impractical Jokers”)

-         Visualize something fun you will do once COVID-19 is a thing of the past

-         Be open to different perspectives

-         Enjoy nature and live in the moment

Relationship Building:

-         Call a longtime friend

-         Talk with your spouse

-         Ask your children about their goals and listen

-         Listen to understand

-         Have a virtual coffee or lunch date with friends (Zoom is a great online source)

-         Have a game night with your family

-         Create fun videos with kids

-         Hand write a letter to someone you care about

-         Remind yourself that your are worthy

We live in a beautiful world and I am optimistic on life and mankind.  We all feel fear and anxiety and that is completely normal.  Feel it, identify it, and then take actionable steps to remove it.

Remember, through challenges in life more innovation, compassion, and love can be created through it.

We are strong and we will overcome this mountain before us!

Stay safe, stay healthy, and stay home!

Much love,

Inez xo