I would be lying if I said I didn’t have a few panic attacks here or there during the stay-at-home order, and you’d be too if you said you haven’t experienced any sort of anxiety. While it may not come in the stereotypical hysterical crying and curling up in a ball method that everyone’s mind instantly goes to, anxiety shows up in different forms. As does fear, sadness, anger, joy and any other human emotion.
Either way, we can all agree that COVID-19’s unexpected integration into our daily routine has been less than pleasant to say the least. Check out my ideas for ways to manage your anxiety during these times of high stress and uncertainty while in your own home.
Art above: Ejiwa Ebenebe.
Eat Dark Chocolate
While a lot of us are watching our weight and counting calories to prepare for the summer body we may not have the opportunity to show off, this type of indulgence is a good thing. Incorporating pieces of dark chocolate into your diet can help ease anxiety because they contain flavonoids, antioxidants that may benefit brain function. Other foods and beverages good for your mental health can include green tea, yogurt and salmon.
Disconnect From Your Computer
Easier said than done, right? Wrong. It’s hard to be in the present and properly assess the way that you’re feeling in the moment when you’re constantly distracting yourself with work. Turn off your computer, remove email apps from your phone, put the phone on airplane mode and put your mental health first, especially when you’re working from home. Believe me, if it’s an emergency, your co-workers know how to reach you.
Meditate
Ever since I made the decision to start my day off with meditating every morning, I’ve begun feeling as light as a feather, though not enough to levitate just yet. Do some research on YouTube for quick 15-minute anxiety reduction morning meditations or hour long stress relief sessions. Whatever fits best in your day, you should give it a shot.
Move Your Body
Whether you have the space for an entire home gym or only have room for a yoga mat, everyone should be getting a few steps in. Physical activity, be it yoga, weight lifting or jogging around the block of your neighborhood, eases symptoms of anxiety and depression because they release endorphins, a hormone stored in the pituitary gland that triggers positive feelings in the body when released.
Burn Palo Santo Oil
Smudging or burning sage or blue juniper in one’s home is widely known as a powerful activity for multiple reasons, but it’s less known that burning Palo Santo oil, is capable of reducing stress levels, anxiety and depression.
Phone A Friend
It’s hard not being able to catch a movie, grab a drink or go to brunch with some of my closest friends, especially knowing they all live a train ride away. When you’re feeling uneasy, uncertain or just sad, don’t hesitate to call those within your close circle and utilize your network as a support system. Bring your friends together with Zoom, Hopin, Netflix watch parties or the new buzzing House Party app.
Create A Playlist Of Empowering Music
When in doubt, dance it out! One of the greatest lessons the great prophets of “Grey’s Anatomy” ever taught me is to “shut up and dance.” Meredith and Christina’s 30-second dance parties have become a way of life when I’m stressed out, and I’m sure it’ll work for you. Whether you’re into Beyoncé, YBN Cordae, Kirk Franklin or some throwback “Camp Rock” soundtrack, create a feel-good soundtrack and blast it when you need a pick-me-up. And if you’re looking for some new inspiration, check out the Snobette Sounds playlist here.
Listen To Crystal Singing Bowls, Natural Environment Sounds Or White Nose
I absolutely hate the rain, especially as someone who occasionally suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but I find that listening to rain noises while I work eases my anxiety and stress levels. Stick some headphones in your ear the next time you need a stress relief and look up rain forest sounds, white noise, or Jhené Aiko’s Chilombo album, which makes use of crystal singing bowls.
Add Vitamins To Your Diet
While spending a lot more time indoors, it’s possible to suffer from a decline in vitamin D generated from exposure to the sun. A deficiency of vitamin D can lead to feelings of fatigue, sadness, anxiety and moodiness. As such, be sure you’re on top of your daily vitamin game or update the updates your taking.
Write It Down
Sometimes each us feels as though we’re alone in understanding our struggle and sometimes, that’s true. If you’re not yet comfortable with sharing your thoughts and feelings with your inner circle, putting your thoughts on paper or journaling on a regular basis is a therapeutic way to manage and categorize your thoughts. Make a list, write a song, get into some poetry or just go ham with a full stream of consciousness. You have full creative control and everyone needs a sense of control, especially right now.
