Governments shut down economies all around the world in response to the Coronavirus. Though they may have slowed the spread of COVID-19, it’s not quite clear whether lockdowns have saved lives. The most vulnerable people tend to be the oldest among us, with death rates being extremely low for people under the age of 35. While it’s true that lockdowns have helped to flatten the curve, it’s also true that they were not without their unintended consequences. Besides the long term effects associated with people losing their jobs and their businesses, there are health risks associated with COVID-19 lockdown, too. Many people have reacted negatively to home isolation, and one of these reactions is higher anxiety levels, especially among people who already have mental health issues like PTSD, and other anxiety disorders. People have reported reduced anxiety after taking different supplements. We happen to sell many natural products including CBD, kratom, and essential oils. There isn’t an ample level of research associated with any of these products as treatments for existing symptoms, though many people report positive benefits. However, a more sustainable way to reduce your anxiety levels is to also engage in healthy habits.
Common Emotional Responses to Home Isolation
If you were isolated at home, then you may have experienced a number of emotions associated with the health impact of COVID-19, being isolated from society through social distancing, or losing all or part of your livelihood. Some of feelings related to this anxiety include:
- Fear
- Worry
- Stress
- Sadness
- Anger
- Frustration
- Guilt
To reduce your anxiety, start with forming some healthy habits.
Exercise at Home
If you’re like most people, then you either never had a gym membership, or you cancelled it during lockdown. Many governments are still warning against or preventing gym activities, but that shouldn’t stop you from working out. There are plenty of aerobic activities you can do at home, like this five-minute workout:
In addition to aerobics, you can try some strength training. Fitness bands are a great option because they don’t take up a lot of space, and don’t weigh a whole lot.
Eat Healthy Foods and Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Many of us have put on the Quarantine Fifteen. Some of us have put on even more weight than 15 pounds. Besides being sedentary at home, it’s easy to snack more often than you should. If you fall into these categories, then there are a few things you can do. First, try not to snack as much. When you go to the supermarket, pick up some healthy snacks, too, like bags of raw carrots and celery. In addition, supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals that you might be missing out on. For example, if you’re not getting enough sunlight, then you’re probably deficient in Vitamin D, which also appears to help with reducing the effects of COVID-19. Other vitamins and minerals you can include are Zinc, Vitamin C, and a good multivitamin.
Meditate or try Affirmations and Gratitude Exercises
It’s always good to clear your mind for a few minutes each day. Try different forms of meditation to see whether one of them resonates with your personality. Some meditations are done in silence, where you clear your thoughts. You might also try repeating a mantra. Or, you can try a guided meditation to help you through a spiritual journey that reduces your anxiety levels. In addition, you can practice affirmations, where you perform self-talk to affirm your positive attributes. You can even try gratitude exercises. In Christianity, this is related to the serenity prayer.
God, grant me the serenity
Amen.
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time,
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardship as a pathway to peace;
taking, as Jesus did,
this sinful world as it is,
not as I would have it;
trusting that You will make all things right
if I surrender to Your will;
so that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with You forever in the next.
If you’re not religious, then you can just spend a few minutes thinking about the people and things for which you are most grateful. Who are the specific people you are happy to have relationships with, including friends, family, coworkers, and your spouse or partner? Are you one of the lucky people who can do remote work? Do you have a home, and food in your pantry? These are all things that you can be thankful for, which make life better. Recognize them each day.
Get Some Sun
Although we are all still experiencing the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns, we also must be mindful of our mental health. Outdoor activities can help to reduce your anxiety levels in many ways. So, take the necessary precautions, and get outdoors. You can practice social distancing, or mask up when it’s necessary or required by law. Get some fresh air, and some sunlight in your life.