How to Cope with Anxiety During COVID-19

We are all feeling the anxiety and stress of the ongoing threat of coronavirus (COVID-19). With the constant news updates, non-stop reminders about washing your hands, the daily COVID-19 updates can be overwhelming and stressful.

While there are plenty of articles online on how to protect yourself physically, there is not as much information on how to take care of mental health and wellbeing. It is crucial to stay calm during the treat of COVID-19 to avoid overstressing yourself. Stress and anxiety can take a toll on your body, can affect your sleep, create muscle tension, and the list goes on.

Here are a few tips to help you keep calm as the threat of COVID-19 continues…

Stay connected with your friends and family

All over social media and on the news, the implementation of social distancing has been a hot topic. While there are plenty of memes and jokes on social media about social distancing, limiting your social life can take a toll on your mental health. Staying home all day may sound enjoyable but transitioning to remote work or changing your daily routine can be harder than it sounds, not to mention the stress it can bring to those who work in service industries and are unable to work.

Ease the anxiety by staying connected with friends and family through video chats, texts, and phone calls. Or even try hosting a virtual happy hour! Open up and share your thoughts and concerns with those close to you and try talking about other things to keep your mind away from the ongoing news cycle.

Take news breaks

It may be tempting to scroll the news on your phone before bed or during your downtime but resist the urge to check the news all day. Following the latest updates can be distracting and create even more anxiety for you. Try limiting yourself to checking the news a few times a day and turn off news notifications from your phone and computer to avoid news updates from distracting you.

Practice mediation and mindfulness 

Meditation and mindfulness can be your friend during times of stress. Start with the day with some meditation and breathing exercises using apps like Calm or headspace. Throughout this time, practicing mindfulness, creating a journal, and answering questions about how you feel at the moment can bring some clarity into your life.

Keep a routine 

If you’re not used to working at home or staying home for long periods, it is good to create a routine. Set your day up with breaks and move around as you would during your regular workday. It may be tempting to lounge around in PJs all day, but getting dressed and ready for the day as you would if you were going to work can help you feel more energized and help you be more productive. Do you work out during the week? Continue to stay active by going for a run outside or find workout videos on YouTube.

Pick up a new hobby or take care of things at home 

Have you been wanting to learn how to draw or paint? Want to learn a new language? If you are spending more time at home, now is the time to discover new hobbies to help the time pass. Download Duolingo (for free!) and learn a new language. Learn how to paint or draw by looking up videos online and explore your artistic side.

Have you been wanting to organize your home like Marie Kondo or get yard work done? Now is a great time to organize the storage room you have been saying to for months and get a head start on spring gardening.

Speak with a medical professional

Not sure how to get help? Do you feel like you need to talk to a medical professional over your mental needs? Reach out to your local mental health provider to see if they can make telehealth appointments over the phone or through video chat.

Need to speak with a doctor for general health needs?  You can use Teladoc and speak with a medical professional. For a limited time, members can use Teladoc at no cost 24/7 a day. Don’t have Teladoc? Register for an account.

As always, please give our customer service team a call with any questions about your plan: 800-475-8466 or questions@fridayhealthplans.com.

The post How to Cope with Anxiety During COVID-19 appeared first on Friday Health Plans.

from Our Blog – Friday Health Plans https://ift.tt/391ZNDZ