How to Manage COVID-19 Anxiety

In a time of uncertainty and confusion, we know how hard it can be to keep a clear head and not get wrapped up in the chaos of the COVID environment. While a certain level of stress and anxiety can be healthy and even motivational, we want to make sure our stress levels don’t get too high. The good news is that there are so many things we can be doing during this time to manage stress and anxiety! Jacqui Taub, FEED’s mental health therapist, shares her tips and tricks on staying levelheaded amidst the craziness surrounding us.

Stick to a routine

Set an alarm. Make your bed. Get dressed! Just because we are at home for the time being, that doesn’t mean we should throw our routines to the wayside. Sticking to a schedule helps to maintain a level of normality and an aspect of control in an environment where things are far from normal. 

Try making a list of the things you CAN control vs the things you CAN’T. You’ll find that your routine is typically something you CAN have control, and this should help overshadow the things that you can’t.

Call your mom

Or you dad, your friend, or your long, lost cousin. While we are being asked to social distance ourselves physically, we should be doing the opposite mentally. Next time you’re about to flip on Netflix, grab your phone instead and FaceTime your loved one to catch up. You may even get ideas from them on how they’re spending their time indoors. 

Take up a new hobby or resume an old one

Used to play the piano? Bought a bunch of puzzles that are sitting in the closet? Still haven’t picked up that book you bought 3 months ago? Get to it! It’s easy to get into a routine of work to TV, to work to TV. But, try to switch up the mundaneness of sitting around with something that will activate your mind and make you smile! 

Get in the kitchen

Of course, this is a big one for us at FEED Nutrition Consulting! While we spend a lot of time in the kitchen already, the extra time at home is giving us the opportunity to try out some new recipes and revise some old ones! Keep in mind – you don’t have to be a Master Chef to enjoy your time in the sometimes “dreaded” room of the house! Try some of our super simple and healthy recipes to get you started: Healthy Homemade Crackers , Gluten-Free Blender Pancakes, or this Chocolate-Banana Smoothie !

Stay Active

Last but definitely not least, GET ACTIVE! Don’t spend your time in quarantine just sitting around. Go for a walk, a run, or do some yoga. Many gyms and fitness studios are providing free daily livestreams of workout classes which fit the budget and can work with the lack of equipment! Some of our favorites are PELOTON, SWEAT, and CORE POWER. To keep our minds clear and healthy, we need to keep our body moving! Want some ideas for indoor workouts or how to stay active during this time? Reach out and we can give you some more ideas!

Need more support?

We are here for you! Jacqui is available for virtual consultation. Book an appointment – HERE.