CORONAVIRUS
ANXIETY
Coping with Stress , Fear , and Worry
By : Elaine Gower
How to keep your spirits up in these trouble times ?
We are all likely experiencing some emotional discomfort ( or
worse !) - given the spread of COVID -19 and the disruption to our lives . Grief at losing out on experiences , frustration , uncertainty — all are normal reactions at this time . The situation is new and unpredictable !
Focus on the things we can control . Our emotions reside in our bodies , so take good care of yours ! A few ideas to help :
First , limit the time you spend on news . It is coming at us from all directions and this can be downright overwhelming . Stick to trustworthy sources such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control ( CDC ), and your local public health authorities . Instead , focus on staying healthy . Maintaining a regular sleep schedule helps , try to go to sleep and wake up at roughly the same time each day . Work towards maintaining good nutrition and regular meals . Get out and get some exercise ! Staying active will help you release anxiety , relieve stress , and manage your mood . If possible , get outside as sunshine and fresh air will do you good . Practice deep breathing and relaxation yoga . Not sure how to do these ? YouTube has a variety of free options for beginners .
Have you ever wanted to knit ? Why not try taking up a hobby that requires use of your body and mind ? Activities such as knitting , art , playing an instrument , etc . may give you a much-needed emotional break .
16 | SAN DIEGO COMMUNITY INSIDER WINTER 2020