Tips for Keeping Anxiety at Bay

It’s difficult not to let stress and worry get the best of us during these uncertain times. And yet, perhaps one of the most reassuring things to consider is that we are all in this together. Family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and communities large and small—we are all facing the same challenges posed by the need to respond effectively to this new health issue. While we cannot spend time physically together, we can continue to lean on each other for support, encouragement, humor and counsel.

Here are a few ideas to help keep anxiety and undue stress at bay:

•   Stay in touch with your support system, and reach out to friends or a family member you haven’t spoken with in a while.  A sense of personal community is invaluable, both to you and those you love. 

•   Limit your news exposure.  Check in daily to stay informed, and then opt for a good book, a classic movie, or even FaceTime with friends.

•   Practice a few moments of relaxation every day:  Yoga, deep breathing, meditation, even gazing out the window listening to the birds welcome the coming of spring is all helpful for stress relief.

•   Stick to the facts about COVID-19, and understand the actual risk to you and your loved ones.  Talk about it to alleviate worries and fears. 

•   Get good sleep, eat well and hydrate.

•   Create a new daily routine.  Structure is good.

•   Discover what brings you joy, and do that.  Encourage this for all of your family members too.

•   Practice gratitude.

There are so many distractions in our busy and hectic modern world. Perhaps this brief moment in time is presenting us with an opportunity to nest and rest, to renew our relationship with people most important to us, and to reaffirm values we hold most dear.  

With thanks, 

Heidi