The ongoing global pandemic caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has significantly affected the lives of people all across the world in many ways. One of the most challenging situations that many people face is the government imposed lockdowns and restrictions brought in to try and halt the spread of the virus. As a result, many schools have closed, healthcare is restricted, businesses have closed down, and people have been required to stay at home. While some restrictions are lifting in some places, the pandemic is far from over, and the effects will possibly be felt for some time to come.

 

A problem that may potentially arise with this situation is increased levels of anxiety. Many people are worried about their jobs and their finances. Others are trying to balance homeschool and working from home. All of us are trying to deal with not being able to see our family and friends and do all of the things that we would usually do. On top of this is the worry that we might become seriously ill. 

 

But, when what you can do,, and the resources that you could normally access are so limited, how do you deal with this anxiety? Here, we explore some ways that you can manage increased levels of anxiety during the pandemic.

 

Photo by cottonbro from Pexels CC0 License

 

CBD Oil

 

For many years, people have waved the flag for CBD oil as a way of easing feelings of anxiety. Now, research is starting to back this up. 

 

Many people mistake the effects of CBD oil as being the same as smoking or taking marijuana in another form, but that’s not actually true. Cannabis contains two compounds – THC and cannabidiol (CBD oil). Too much THC can overstimulate the body and cause some of the effects that people typically associate with cannabis. However, CBD oil is a non-intoxicating molecule and can both directly and indirectly help to reduce stress. 

 

Buying CBD oil from a reputable place such as Penguin CBD means you will get the benefits rather than the effects that you more than likely don’t want.

 

Mindfulness

 

Mindfulness has become a bit of a buzz word of late, thrown about by people when they are talking about self-care and mental health. There is a reason for that, though – it works.

 

But what actually is mindfulness, and how can it help with anxiety?

 

Mindfulness is all about finding the ability to be fully present in the moment and being completely engaged with whatever you are at doing at that time. When practicing mindfulness, you aim to be completely free of distraction and judgment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without getting distracted or caught up by them.

 

Many people get confused with mindfulness and meditation, thinking they are one and the same. However, while there are some similarities and they can lend themselves to one another, they are not the same thing. 

 

Meditation is a temporary state of mind, whereas mindfulness is more of a state of living, where you can always remind yourself to take a step back and focus on where you are and what you are doing at any given moment in time.

 

Mindfulness can help you to manage anxiety as it encourages you to open up and accept the way that you are feeling rather than battle against it. Only when you learn to recognize the way you feel that you can do something predictive about it. It also can help you to look at things from a new perspective, which, given the current situation, can only be a good thing.

 

There are various ways in which you can implement mindfulness into your day so that it eventually becomes a way of life rather than something that you conciously do. Coloring is a new trend at the moment, and actually, it really can work. You focus on how you are colouring, the way it feels – and apply that to other areas of your life. Eating your food mindfully is another way. Instead of wolfing down your dinner with one eye on the TV and the other trying to remember if you replied to that email at work, spend the time concentrating on each stage of the process, from putting the food onto your fork to putting it in your mouth, chewing and swallowing. Think about how it looks, smells, tastes and the different flavors and textures.

Plan time for worrying

 

Worrying is completely normal, especially in times like we are experiencing at the moment. Allow yourself to indulge in some worrying, but set aside some time to do so. Worrying while you are at work, or bathing your children or driving your car is not the right time, but ten minutes every evening before you start getting ready for bed might be. Set an alarm, grab a notebook and a pen and write down any worries that you have. If you have any time left once doing that, jot down anything you need to do to overcome those worries (e.g. I am worried about that noise the car is making, so I will book it into the garage for a check). Once you alarm goes off, put the notebook and pen away and cast the worries out intil your next designated worry time.

 

Reach out to others

 

In pretty much any situation that you find yourself in, there is someone out there who has gone through it or is going through it, whether it is anxiety over health, finances, children, or global pandemics. Reach out to people – friends, family, even internet forums – and talk about what you are anxious about. People may be able to given you practical advice and support or at the very least a more objective view.

 

By following some of these tips, you will hopefully be able to get a hold on your anxiety levels during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.