Let’s be real here: the last two or so years haven’t been easy on us. In fact, the WHO has recently discovered that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a 25% increase in anxiety & depression worldwide. I, personally, have noticed a huge uptick in my own anxiety during this time.
So, what exactly are the best coping with this?
Practice deep breathing to calm your anxiety
I’ve previously covered this in How to Breathe Properly To Calm Your Mind & it honestly should be your first go-to, because of how easy it is. All it requires is a quiet space and somewhere that you can be comfortable. Heck, even most smartwatches (such as Samsung, Fitbit, & Apple) have functions that can aid you with this.
Limit your caffeine intake
Did you know that caffeine can actually really impact your anxiety? This is something that I personally discovered when I have my fifth cup of coffee drank and suddenly would start feeling anxious for no apparent reason. Once I realised this, I started setting myself a limit of 3 a day with the cut-off point for anything caffeinated at 4 PM. I would substitute it with caffeine-free drinks, such as herbal tea or decaffeinated coffee.
Get a good night’s sleep
Sleep really can’t be underestimated when it comes to reducing your anxiety. I know that I can’t function without at least 6 – 8 hours of good sleep a night. For me, personally, the grogginess that comes with a lack of this can really increase my anxiety. If you want to try and improve your own, check out 9 Tips to Get More & Better Sleep.
Exercise regularly
No, I don’t mean just lifting weights. If you’re ever feeling anxious, one of the best coping mechanisms is just getting up and going for a walk. Not only can it help reduce how you’re feeling, but it can also help you make important decisions. If I were to ever give out some required reading, then it would definitely be Stillness is the Key by Ryan Holiday.
Write down your thoughts
Oh, it’s hard to express I love my Complaints Journal. That’s what I often call the notebook I keep often at whatever job I usually have. In it, I regularly would write down what is making me annoyed or anxious at that moment. And, obviously, keep it as hidden as possible! There’s something very satisfying about getting your thoughts from your head and onto a page.