During this difficult time of change, many aren’t feeling that great. Everyone around you is facing an unprecedented amount of anxiety and stress – even if they don’t show it. With the ongoing COVID battle and strong difference of opinions comes with feelings of exasperation and anger. Even though it is normal to experience anxiety pre-pandemic, it has affected us in a different way and many people haven’t spoken about it. 

How I’ve been feeling

Before the global pandemic hit, I always knew there were people who suffered from anxiety and depression. But now, people around me, including myself, have a hard time with the pandemic implications on our mental health.

It seems that we have all forgotten the distinction between working from home and being at home during a pandemic, while trying to work. I was out of my mind when freedom was taken away from me in a split second. We weren’t able to go to school, offices, malls, or even coffee shops. In my whole lifetime, I have never experienced anything like this before. This had obviously brought me (and many others) to panic, because we hadn’t realized that these “normal” things were taken for granted.

I’m not exactly sure when this had happened, but I slowly started to notice that getting out of bed was becoming harder and harder. I felt tired, unmotivated, lazy, and sad. As someone who loves to have a routine schedule, it was weird and scary when I didn’t have one anymore. There is only so much you can do at home each day, especially when you’re alone. This also had a significant impact on my social life because now that lockdown restrictions have been slightly lifted, I noticed that I'm more anxious when I go out, try to socialize, or even when I’m in congested areas. You would think that the great reopening that we have all long awaited would be far more exciting; when we’re ready to party and have social gatherings. 

How to deal with it

1. Working out

 Photo Source: Fitness-Running 

Because of the lockdown restrictions, it may be hard to find a place to work out. Even going for a short jog in your neighbourhood can uplift your mood and reduce your stress levels. It promotes cognitive functions and reduces anxiety and depression, which I found to be very helpful for me. After a workout, I always feel much more productive and energetic. 

2. See a Therapist

Photo Source: Therapist

A therapist is SO helpful because they’re able to provide a more professional opinion and they can also validate what you’re feeling. Based on what they’ve observed, they give tips on how to effectively battle what you’re dealing with.

3. Journal/Diary

 Photo Source: Diary-Journal-Write 

Journals have been one of the greatest tools for mental health, especially during such a difficult time with COVID. By venting and expressing your feelings in a journal allows you to understand and recognize your triggers and how to control them.

4. Hobbies 

Photo Source: Hobbies-Knitting

If you take part in an activity that you genuinely enjoy, it can make you feel happier and reduce low moods/promote relaxation. This is because your brain is fully engaging in something that you like, releasing dopamine into your brain which is a healthy way of distracting yourself.

5. Meditation 

Photo Source: Zen-Meditating-Yoga

Any form of meditation can eliminate negative thoughts and reduce stress-levels. It may be hard to meditate and focus at first, but it takes practice. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to have a tranquil mind – which works AMAZING for your emotional well-being.