The pandemic has been a very uncertain time for us all. You may be feeling anxiety not knowing how to stay safe as the Delta variant is causing new COVID-19 cases. When our anxiety makes it hard to remain calm in the moment, there are many immediate strategies you can implement to improve your mental state.
Breathe Deeply
A simple strategy for keeping yourself grounded when your pulse starts to race is to focus on your breath. Breathing exercises are a great way to bring your heart rate back to normal.
In situations where you feel like your anxiety levels may spike, it is best to take frequent timeouts to center yourself. Try inhaling for four seconds, holding your breath for another four seconds, and then breathing out for four seconds more.
Breathing exercises can be done anytime, anywhere. Instead of placing your focus on your anxious thoughts, focus on your breath and the present moment.
Practice Gratitude Mantras
Anxiety causes us to think the worst of our lives and clouds our positivity. In order to be in a more positive mood at the start of the day, try creating a gratitude mantra. Pick a mantra that feels personal to you that speaks to finding the best version of yourself.
You can even use a variety of affirmations throughout the day instead of sticking to just one. They can be repeated in the morning, afternoon, and night. They will help ease your mind instead of allowing you to be overwhelmed by negative circumstances.
For example, instead of saying, “This situation is not going to get better,” say, “I am grateful I have protection from the vaccine and healthcare when I need it.”
Take a Walk
If your anxiety is becoming too unbearable to manage, it may be helpful to take a walk outside. Give yourself at least 15 minutes to take a stroll around your area out in the fresh air surrounded by the wind and green trees. Exercise is a great way to boost those feel-good serotonin levels.
Do not be afraid to walk away from a crowd if you feel overwhelmed with emotion. If the weather is lousy outside, take a few laps around your house. During this uncertain time, it is essential to do anything you can to be mentally ready to take on the stress of the pandemic.
The pandemic brings about a lot of uncertainty. Instead of letting your anxiety get you down, there are things you can do in the moment to help calm down and get through the day. At Alta Loma, we understand how anxiety can interfere with your life, and we are here to help you. Located in Georgetown, Texas, we can provide you with individualized therapy, therapeutic recreational activities, life and coping skills education, and more. Call us at (866) 457-3843 for more information.
