We are living through some very scary times. Every day the news coming out about Coronavirus seems to be worse than the day before as the number of cases in our country climbs. You want to be informed but the stress, worry and anxiety regarding this pandemic is wearing on you. And you want to remain calm and grounded for the sake of your loved ones around you. You are not sure how to manage your anxiety when there is just so much to be scared about!
Understanding Anxiety
We come from a long line of anxious ancestors. The humans who had the ability to see ahead of time potential dangers and do something to prevent them, are the humans who lived long enough to have children. If a man could imagine that the river may flood and wash away his home would be more likely to put his home in an area that would be safer.
Anxiety Serves a Purpose
Anxiety serves the purpose of helping us to make a plan of action. Anxiety is the thing that is helping you to currently take action to protect yourself and your family from the current virus. So you can thank your anxiety for the ways it is keeping you safe!
But at what point does anxiety no longer serve a purpose? After you have taken all the precautions you can to protect yourself and those you love than it is no longer helpful.
Managing Anxiety Step 1: Focus on the Areas You Can Control
The first step in managing anxiety during this pandemic is to focus on the areas you can control. There is so much about this outbreak that is absolutely out of our control. We all have loved ones near and far that we can’t make take all of the precautions we want them to. So determine the areas that you do have control over and focus on those. Maybe your kids are home from school. How can you best support them and help them stay calm during this crazy time?
Managing Anxiety Step 2: Find Something Fun to Do
Maybe you do a game night, arts and crafts, or a movie marathon. You may not be able to get together with everyone you care about but maybe you can virtually get together. Yatzee over Facetime anyone?
Managing Anxiety Step 3: Find the Silver Linings
There is so much that is scary and painful right now. Find those small things that you are grateful for. Maybe you are getting to work from home so you are no longer having to commute. And maybe the lack of commute is giving you some extra time to do something you don’t normally get to do.
Managing Anxiety Step 4: Self-Care
You may find yourself at home more or having some extra time on your hands because you are no longer commuting to work. Take some of that time to practice some self-care. Take a bath, read a book, journal, meditate. All of the things will help to relax your body and your mind during this stressful time.
Managing Anxiety Step 5: Find Support
Call a friend or a family member. We are in this together. And if you want some additional support find a therapist who is providing telehealth! This recent virus has prompted many therapists to learn how to use the technology to connect to our clients virtually. Even when we are social distancing we don’t have to feel alone.
Anxiety Therapist in Charlotte
Theresa Leskowat MS LCMHC is an anxiety counselor in Charlotte, NC. She also provides telehealth counseling for clients all over North Carolina. Theresa is owner of Clear Vista Counseling in the Dilworth area of Charlotte. Along with anxiety therapy, Theresa also provides stress management counseling, trauma and PTSD therapy, counseling for perfectionists, and divorce counseling.