Do you find yourself walking back to the refrigerator again and again? Are you flipping between the major news channels trying to find the latest stats and unhelpful news? Perhaps you are wondering if this “monster” of a pandemic will ever go away.
The truth is COVID -19 is bad enough without a side of anxiety, anger, or depression. Yet, COVID’s unpredictability and the uncertainty it created in all our lives has made anger, anxiety, and depression household figures even among people who rarely suffer from these emotions. The tension, rage, or sadness you may be feeling is common, but there are a lot better ways to deal with it than trying to eat your feelings away.
4 Healthy, Positive Options
When you’re feeling stuck, try one or more of these techniques to help pull yourself out of despair.
Turn It Off
For many, 24-hour news cycles where talking heads scream their opinions is not helpful. Tying their views to one political viewpoint or another is not helping viewers who just want accurate information. Social media will try to herd you into taking one side or another. Still, it rarely provides any type of solution.
If watching the news or reading through your news feed isn’t helping, change the channel. Try Tiger King on Netflix, watch a movie on HBO, or watch your old favorites on ME TV, Nick at Nite, or TV Land.
Let’s Get Physical
Keeping your body active will help you feel better, and keep your mind from wandering into dark places. Go outside and take a walk around the block, or try one of those Couch to 10K apps. If you don’t want to leave the house, head to YouTube, where you can learn how to do the Git Up dance, watch a How to Yoga Series, or find an exercise video you like and try it in the house.
Imagine if
Visualization is a powerful technique that you can use to push difficult feelings aside. Imagine you are walking in nature and picture yourself breathing in the crisp mountain air. Take a moment and smell someone grilling steaks or fish in the distance. Imagine you are holding a dozen colorful helium balloons in your hands. Each one of them represents a different problem that you are facing. Let go, and watch the balloons fly away, taking your worries high into the sky until they are so tiny, they disappear.
Focus on the Positive
Even during this pandemic, there are still positives going on in your life. Write those positives on Post-it Notes and leave them around your house. Practice some self-talk, saying phrases like “I can handle this” or “I’ve been through tough times before.”
If You Need More
If anger, anxiety, or depression are taking over your life, you should probably talk to a caring professional who can guide you through this difficult time.
Deanne Ginns Gruenberg is conducting telehealth sessions during COVID-19. All you need is an internet connection. There is nothing you will need to download. Schedule an appointment today.
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