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Last Updated on May 1, 2020
During the COVID-19 crisis, the struggle has never been more real. The world is changing, the news is scary, and it may feel like the only consolation you have is your Netflix account and that bread recipe you have bookmarked.
It’s okay to be anxious right now. Who wouldn’t be? But it’s also important to manage your anxiety before it eats you faster than those Little Debbie snacks you bought on a whim during your last grocery run at Thrive Market. at Thrive Market. . Here are a few things you can do to fight back against your COVID-related stress.
- Reach out to old friends. Video chat may not be able to make you feel any closer to your friends and family right now, but it does give you a chance to reach out to friends you haven’t spoken to in a while. As of 2019, there were 4 trillion Internet users in the world, so you’re bound to find them on at least one of your social media feeds. Checking in on your long lost buds can help you feel a little more grounded, and you can even host a virtual party to give yourself the feeling of going out for drinks.
- Give in to nostalgia. If you’ve found yourself watching some of your favorite movies from childhood to keep your stress at bay, you’re not alone. According to TechCrunch, Disney+ has gained 21.4 million subscribers since February 3 and now has a total of 50 million subscribers. Many brands have been experiencing a resurgence of their past popularity and familiarity, too. That’s not a bad thing. Giving into childhood nostalgia and playing your favorite video games and watching old movies you used to love can bring some well-needed comfort.
- Know that what you’re doing is important. You don’t need to be productive right now. You’re in the middle of a global crisis. Even doing the bare minimum right now can feel like a lot. Know that by staying home as much as possible and social distancing when you can, you’re doing your part to flatten the curve. In fact, you’re even doing a lot for the environment just by staying home more than usual. Natural gas is the second most heavily consumed energy source, and right now carbon emissions are dropping because of reduced transportation.
- Remember to eat a vegetable. In times of stress, it’s okay to reach for comfort food like gluten-free mac and cheese. But make sure that you’re not getting so lost in your comfort food that you’re completely forgetting your health. Your body needs vitamins and nutrients to function properly, and too much sugar can impact your sleep. Get in those greens when you can to give your body the vitamins it really wants.
- Stop checking the news. It’s good to keep yourself updated on what’s happening with the COVID-19 crisis. But it’s also important to take a step back. You’re not designed to absorb so much scary information at once. If you were, Stephen King movie marathons would be a lot more popular. Give yourself a time limit when checking out the news or scrolling through Twitter, and only read information from credible news sources. This way, you’re still getting the information you need without throwing yourself into an anxiety attack.
It’s not easy to manage stress and anxiety, especially now. But by recognizing your feelings and managing them by being kind to yourself and others, you can feel a little bit better during this trying time.
