Our Blog

A Place Where People Are Helped to
Help Themselves.

Anxiety Hacks For a Pandemic

Are you feeling anxious or stressed out? Duh. Personally I’m an extrovert, and when you tell me I can’t be around people, I start to panic. What do you mean I can’t go bowling? I really want to go bowling! (I don’t even like bowling). We are facing something none of us have been through before, and we don’t know what to expect in the coming days and months. Uncertainty breeds anxiety. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be stuck at home in a fetal position worrying about what the future holds. I want to be calm and a source of confidence and peace for my kids. Here are some “hacks” you can try when it gets to be too much for you.

1. Go all Pollyanna on this pandemic

I get to spend more time with my kids and make memories we will look back on and laugh about. Last night we had a burping contest. I won. Don’t judge me. I have time to clean out closets and cabinets and make my house look nice. I have an opportunity to rest and be mindful and thankful. The more you let your thoughts dwell on everything that is scary or hard right now, the more anxious you’ll be. Try focusing on your thinking on the good, at least for a little bit.

2. Put worrying on your schedule

Set a timer. Give yourself 10 minutes to sit and worry about the world, the virus, your family, and all the things that are out of your control right now. Maybe even use a journal to write down all the things you’re worried about. When the timer goes off, close the journal or imagine yourself putting your worries in a box and closing it. You can get it back out later, but for now put it away and do something else.

3. Make stuff

One time we had a really unexpected and tragic death in my family. I decided to start making quilts to feel better, so every time I was at home doing nothing but feeling sad, I would work on the quilts. Disclaimer: I don’t know how to quilt or sew. These quits turned out ugly, but my family pretended they were nice. Working on the quilts took my sadness and put it into something tangible. It works the same with anxiety. Do something creative, wash the dishes, work in the yard, go for a walk (while staying six feet away from strangers of course). Putting your anxiety into an action will give you relief. I youTubed how to knit. The longer we are social distancing the more ugly scarfs my family members will receive next christmas. BUT keeping my hands busy is helpful – plus the back

4. Be kind to yourself

Right now if you are anxious, angry, sad, need to cry, are sleeping or eating more, feel depressed, or all of the above – it’s ok. These are ways our bodies respond to stress. If you have had traumatic experiences in the past, it’s possible your body will have an even stronger reaction to current events. Give yourself a break and remember, you’re doing the best you can. Maybe you can’t hug everyone right now, but give yourself a hug. If you need someone to talk to, we are offering virus-free virtual sessions over Google Hangouts, Facetime or Zoom. Some insurance companies are even waiving copays right now. Give us a call at 918-205-4148 or email info@resolvebhs.com to set something up.