By Natasha Muller
How are you managing your day to day stressors? If we define stress as deferred decisions or delayed actions, anxiety is that ongoing feeling of unease that becomes worry or turns into fear if we fail to address our concerns. Some examples we face during the pandemic include: extended distance learning and the uncertainty of this semester, not knowing when or how we’ll be able to return to in-person learning, huge spikes of COVID-19 cases, changes to holiday plans, not being able to see friends and relatives and being stuck at home. Not to mention the difficult usual balancing routine of keeping up with grades, preparing for college. Given all this, no wonder people have anxiety. Here are some solutions to help relieve this uneasiness:
- Take frequent breaks: listen to music, meditate, or learn relaxation techniques.
- Eat well-balanced meals: Do not skip any meals. Do keep healthy, energy-boosting snack on hand
- Limit caffeine (Definitely NO alcohol): caffeine can aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks)
- Get enough sleep: when stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
- Exercise daily: to help you feel good and maintain your health
- Take deep breaths: when taking deep breaths inhale and exhale slowly.
- Count to 10 slowly: Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
- Accept that you can’t control everything: Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
- Laugh more: A good laugh is the best medicine
- Maintain a positive attitude: Make an effort to replace negative thoughts and think positive thoughts
- Get involved: Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community, this creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress
- Learn what triggers your anxiety: is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
- Talk to someone: Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
For more information please click here