How To Manage Anxiety During Quarantine
This is a period of uncertainty for everyone, and if you already suffer from GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) or other types of anxiety on a daily basis you may be struggling with your mental health during these challenging times. While it's normal to have some apprehension about current events, there are things you can be doing to make sure your anxiety isn't keeping you from functioning.
Have a Daily Plan
First and foremost, you should make sure you have a routine in place. While you may not be going to work or regularly scheduled classes, having a general plan for each day helps keep a sense of normalcy. Now is a great time to get into good sleep habits; plan to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day. Not only will this help you sleep better, but you'll feel more grounded with some regulation in your life.
Stay Active
Consider incorporating other stimulating activities into your routine, like daily exercise. If you're not someone who usually works out, you can take a daily thirty minute walk (while practicing safe social-distancing measures) or stay inside and follow along with some online yoga videos. Studies show that exercise is not only good for your physical health, but for your mental well-being as well.
Practice Healthy Mindsets and Relaxation
It might be beneficial to set aside some time to practice relaxation strategies. Whether you do breathing exercises or meditation, keeping this in your daily routine will help relieve some of your anxiety. There are apps and websites, like Calm or Insight Timer that can help guide you through relaxation methods. Similarly, it's recommended that you set aside some time to evaluate your mindset. Remember to take each day one step at a time. There's no need to overwhelm yourself; just be present in the current moment, and do what you can. Remember to count the things that you are grateful for, no matter how small. Most importantly, practice being kind to yourself, even if you don't achieve everything in a day that you wanted to. Don't compare yourself to what others are doing. Whatever you can accomplish is something to be proud of.
Stay Connected: Friends, Family, and Therapy
Lastly, you should plan time everyday to stay connected to friends and family. While you may not be able to meet face-to-face, a phone call or video chat can go a long way in making you feel less isolated. Seeing a familiar face over a video call can really help calm your nerves. It's okay to reach out to others for help right now, as you may need it more than ever before. While in-person counseling isn't available at the moment, I encourage you to use the Telehealth services for your therapy needs at this time. This service is open to both returning and new clients. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (305) 632-1350 or fill out an email form.