The global pandemic has taken a toll on our mental health, causing a lot of opportunities for stress and anxiety to enter our lives. This is mainly due to the hit after hit of change and not knowing how to cope and adapt when we never know what to expect. Even though it’s been some time since the pandemic began, we’re still trying to grasp this idea of a new normal and if it’s something that’s meant to stay or will continue to change constantly.
Whether it’s professional, social, familial, or health reasons, an increased feeling of anxiousness is perfectly normal. However, we can’t let this stop us from enjoying everyday life. Here are just some factors that can help alleviate and overcome these difficult times and usher us into a brighter tomorrow.
Regular exercise
There’s no denying how most of us have lacked the motivation to exercise and take care of our physical health during the pandemic. However, exercise can benefit not just your physical health but also your mental health. Whenever you engage in physical activity, your body releases endorphins and dopamine, both feel-good hormones. Regular exercise also benefits your heart, circulation, and overall immune system health.
This is why exercise is beneficial not only for your physical health and fitness but also for your emotional and mental well-being. It acts as a therapeutic activity, particularly if you’re struggling to regain a sense of control. Instead of seeing exercise as this chore you need to do for the sake of your mental health, try to find something fun and exciting to do. Maybe it’s cardio, dancing, cycling, or running — the key is to find an exercise that works for you that you enjoy.
Balanced diet
A balanced diet is one of the most overlooked aspects of good mental health, but it’s just as important as exercise. When you eat correctly and consume all the necessary nutrients and minerals for your body, your mind becomes just as healthy as your body.
In fact, those who eat a balanced diet are generally happier and less stressed than those who actively eat junk food and processed foods. Remember that food is fuel, and when you’re not providing your body and mind with the proper food groups, it’s easier to have anxiety and panic attacks.
Also, a balanced diet will strengthen your immune system and improve your physical health to reduce your chance of getting sick. If this is the cause of your anxiety, a balanced diet is even more essential to incorporate into your lifestyle. Do your best to consume meals filled with fruits, vegetables, protein, grains, and dairy. These are the five food groups that a balanced diet revolves around.
Manage your exposure
Another major cause of your anxiety is the possibility that you could be infected and get sick at any time. Especially if the company hasn’t transitioned to working from home, it can be pretty scary to risk exposure by going out constantly to commute to work. One solution is to consider investing in your own car as the new normal continues to unfold for the foreseeable future.
Looking into the current rates for car loans, used cars, and other safer modes of transportation are worthy investments that will help put your mind at ease on your way to work every day. Managing your exposure also means keeping your circle small. Even if more lenient times of quarantine, keeping your social circle to close family and friends for face-to-face interactions will also help ease your anxiety.
Manage your time
Time management will result in a stress and anxiety-free life during the pandemic, whether you realize it or not. Not knowing how to manage your time properly can result in procrastination, and as a result, you barely have time to rest and enjoy your hobbies. Emotional and mental burnout can result from a lack of structure. You’ll constantly feel fatigued because you didn’t set proper boundaries and didn’t learn to manage your time accordingly. Your work tasks will always be there.
But you need to change how and when you accomplish them. Consider refraining from doing them at the last minute so that you don’t get burned out. Also, knowing how to manage your time means you get adequate sleep throughout the night, which then maintains your physical health and well-being.
These are just some of the things you need to know about how to manage your anxiety during the pandemic. This new normal can easily trigger our worst thoughts, but engaging in activities that prioritize your health and safety will cause an incredible positive butterfly effect throughout your life.
