Avoid thinking beyond your approach reduce Anxiety

Experiencing feelings of hopelessness, low energy, lack of purpose, demotivation, fatigue, sleep deprivation, or restlessness amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic might indicate that you could be one of the three individuals grappling with an unseen crisis-anxiety disorder. According to Carla Manly, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Santa Rosa, California, and author of “Joy from Fear,” fear is a natural and adaptive reaction to a perceived threat. It is important to avoid overthinking and focus on reducing anxiety by staying within your sphere of control.

Studies indicate a significant surge in mental health disorders during the COVID-19 crisis. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued specific guidelines for effectively managing mental health issues during this outbreak. Factors contributing to this rise include the fear of unemployment, financial crises, limited social interactions, adhering to strict routines, and persistent anxiety surrounding a perceived contagious disease.

The risk of developing an Anxiety Disorder has doubled during the COVID-19 crisis. The primary challenge lies in ensuring personal safety while simultaneously managing anxiety issues. Anxiety creeps in when worries about the Coronavirus and its consequences begin to consume your thoughts.

The underlying cause of this anxiety stems from adhering to seemingly trivial instructions that were previously overlooked, such as maintaining distance from crowds or practicing excessive sanitation measures. Breaking free from these concerns can be challenging, but there are simple methods to prevent falling prey to this mental health issue.

Avoid thinking about things beyond your approach: 

Frequently, we tend to overanalyze situations that are beyond our control, resulting in stress and ultimately leading to anxiety. Employed individuals, for instance, may find themselves pondering the circumstances they will encounter once the pandemic subsides or the strategies their companies will adopt to navigate the COVID-19 crisis.

The constant threat of downsizing, restructuring, or financial instability looms over individuals like a sword ready to strike. However, it’s important to acknowledge that these matters are beyond our control. Shifting our focus from these concerns to the smaller joys in life can serve as an effective strategy for avoiding lockdown anxiety.

Break your routine:

 The lockdown has restricted our lives to a limited range of activities, leaving us susceptible to monotony, boredom, and depressive thoughts. To overcome these challenges, it is beneficial to engage in completely new activities or approach familiar ones in a fresh and innovative manner. By embracing novelty, we can conquer the monotony of quarantine and inject excitement back into our lives.

 Acquiring a new skill that is relevant to your job can serve as an excellent tool for self-improvement. Additionally, learning a new recipe can act as a refreshing break from routine and cater to your family’s culinary desires. It is worth noting that when fear arises, individuals instinctively respond with a “fight or flight” reaction.

Speak out More:

Regardless of your concerns or worries, it is important to express and discuss them with others. Make it a habit to engage in daily conversations with three distinct groups of people: a family member, a close friend, someone from the society, and a peer. However, it is crucial to approach these discussions with a mindset of respecting the “difference of opinion.”

When individuals are isolated with minimal exposure to different perspectives, they often become attached to their own viewpoint and disregard the validity or relevance of others’ opinions. Consequently, discussions can quickly devolve into conflicts or grudges. This can be even more detrimental than not engaging in any conversation at all. To mitigate this, it is essential to approach discussions with an open mind and refrain from being judgmental. By avoiding overthinking and maintaining a flexible approach, anxiety can be reduced.

Get a Good Night Sleep:

If there is one crucial factor in combating mental health issues, it would be ensuring a good and consistent night’s sleep. Our days are as free as our nights, so staying awake at night and spending excessive time on screens can disrupt our sleep patterns, making us vulnerable to anxiety. It is important to prioritize healthy sleep habits to safeguard our mental well-being.

Sweat Yourself Out:

Stress

Stress is not solely a mental or emotional matter; it can also manifest physically, causing discomfort. Managing stress can be achieved by burning the additional calories accumulated during this crisis, which may result from increased eating and decreased physical activity. Engaging in a simple exercise routine, practicing yoga, or participating in meditation can all serve as effective tools for managing stress and maintaining physical fitness.

Don’t Overload with Information:

To manage anxiety and avoid falling victim to rumors and propaganda, it is crucial to limit your media consumption. Set a specific time to watch or read the news, ensuring it is only done once a day. Be selective about the social media platforms you engage with, favoring trustworthy sources over those that are useless or unreliable. Consider muting notifications from group chats where rumors are prevalent, safeguarding yourself from unnecessary stress and misinformation.

To minimize anxiety, it is essential to rely on trusted sources of information such as the CDC in the USA, the WHO, or your local health department. You do not need to constantly stay updated on every single detail as if you were in the midst of a critical briefing. Relevant information will naturally come to you at the appropriate time. By avoiding excessive information overload and keeping your focus within reasonable boundaries, you can reduce anxiety and maintain a sense of calm.

The global Crisis Anxiety Disorder is impacting millions of people in various ways. To combat this issue, it is crucial to adopt well-established methods that have been proven effective. While the process may not happen overnight, we can significantly improve our well-being by implementing these strategies early on. I invite you to share your personal experiences of how you are successfully managing stress and anxiety during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. By exchanging stories, we can learn from one another and create a safer and more supportive environment.