Strategies for Coping with Stress and Anxiety
Life has changed drastically for all of us in just a short week. As we all work toward 'flattening the curve’ to reduce the spread of the coronavirus and protect those that are most vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, we have all had to change our plans and put our lives on hold. With this amount of change and uncertainty, anxiety and stress can build even in those without a history of mental health concerns.
Here are a few stress reduction tips that you can utilize to help you get through this time of social distancing as this too shall pass.
Exercise. Getting moving can improve your mood and reduce your anxiety. Having an exercise plan can also help you with your sleep. Most of us head to the gym at a certain time of day, try to maintain that same time - yet now in the comfort of your home. I personally love going to Oranj fitness in Penticton. I know I am missing my classes there and the social connection. But they have moved some classes to online. I enjoyed doing them even with my kids alongside me. Pure gym is also doing some online classes, including Spin. I am thankful for the innovative ways our community is coming together.
Get outside. We are lucky to live in the Okanagan as there are many forest trails that you can be on where you won’t find another soul. I sure miss being out on the pitch of Apex but know there will always be another season. Fresh air, sunshine and being in the forest have been shown to decrease stress.
Eat well. Home cooked food is so nourishing for the body and the soul. With a bit more time on your hands, you can get into trying out new recipes to put them into the daily rotation. With your kids at home, they can even begin to help out in the kitchen, even if it is just for clean up. Making your own homemade broth is rich in nutrients to support your immune system.
Stay connected. Keep in touch with your friends and family through FaceTime or just the phone. Even if you haven’t been inclined to use technology, this may be the time to learn. This is an unusual time where we are all experiencing the effects of this pandemic. We can all support each other to help ease loneliness.
Speaking about your worries to a friend can help you reduce the stress you are experiencing. A place I personally am social distancing from is social media, as at this time I am finding when I scroll on there I find it brings to me more worry than joy. Check in with yourself after you are on social media and you will know if it is right or wrong for you.
Sleep. Getting your zzz’s can help you cope with each coming day. If you are finding yourself waking through the night in a panic, reach out to me for natural therapies that you can use safely and effectively to get back into a deep sleep. Getting deep sleep supports your immune system and is a time when your body goes into repair mode. Even though many of us don’t have the morning commitments now of getting kids to school on time or of getting out to work, it is still important to maintain a healthy routine and schedule to keep your circadian rhythm in check.
Coping Technique. If you are experiencing a panic attack - a quick way to ground yourself is to use the 5-4-3-2-1 Mindfulness Technique — Acknowledge
5 - things you see around you.
4 - things you can touch around you
3 - things you hear
2 - things you can smell
1- thing you can taste
I personally have switched all of my work online and am providing video and phone telemedicine services for those that need it. I sure miss working with my patients who are in pain but I am shifting back to other tools in my medical toolbox to help in a generalized medicine arena. Naturopathic doctors can help patients with a variety of their primary care needs, even through telemedicine. I have some effective protocols to help patients ease the effects of stress on their bodies. If you are having difficulty accessing care right now, I am here to help. At this time you can book appointments either via emailing me at office@drdeirdreoneill.com or directly through my online booking at drdeirdreoneill.janeapp.com
I want to personally thank all of the front line health care workers helping our community in the Okanagan. I hope that my Apex community is keeping safe and well.