It’s no secret, the COVID-19 pandemic has literally changed the world as we know it. Filled with fear and an overwhelming sense of uncertainty, much of the world is becoming increasingly anxious as the days go on. Nevertheless, maintaining sound mental health is important to maintaining a good bill of health overall. Rather than allowing the anxiety to overtake you, here is a list of tips and tricks to help you manage anxiety during a global health crisis such as COVID-19 as well as how the Transformations Treatment Center can help.

Benefits of Managing Anxiety

Before we delve into the best ways to manage your anxiety in the face of a global health crisis, let’s look at some of the reasons why you should be addressing your anxiety in general. The following is a list of ways that untreated anxiety can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health:

• Headaches: One highly common symptom associated with anxiety disorders are headaches. Particularly, extreme anxiety can often result in chronic migraines, a condition that can be frustrating and downright crippling. Therefore, learning to manage your anxiety may also provide you with relief from chronic headaches and migraines.
• Immune System: Although most people think of anxiety as only affecting one’s mental health, it can literally destroy your immune system. This is because anxiety often triggers your flight or fight response system, which triggers the release of chemicals such as adrenaline and hormones. If your body is constantly experiencing anxiety and stress, this means that your body may be in fight or flight mode all the time. In the long run, this can weaken your immune system and cause you to become more vulnerable to viral infections.
• Respiratory Issues: Given that anxiety attacks often cause rapid, shallow breathing, severe anxiety can also trigger respiratory issues. If you are suffering from conditions, such as COPD, you may be at an increased risk of developing severe complications and may even end up hospitalized due to these issues.
• Central Nervous System: Additionally, anxiety disorders can cause major issues within the central nervous system. This is because enduring long-term anxiety and panic attacks can cause your brain to release unnecessary stress hormones on a regular basis. While these hormones can be healthy in small doses, an abundance of these hormones can result in issues such as depression, dizziness, weight gain, and more.

Tips for Managing Anxiety

Now that we have reviewed the reasons you should always try to manage your anxiety in general, the following is a list of tips and tricks to help you manage your anxiety in the face of a global pandemic:

Embrace Your Artsy Side

Another great method of managing your anxiety during a global pandemic is by embracing your artsy side. Experts assert that various artistic activities can help to reduce stress, help you decompress after a long day, help you to explore pain and past traumas, boost self-esteem, and can even help you to release trapped emotions. By taking the time to paint, color, do arts and crafts, or even try forms of digital art, you will receive these benefits and more.

Avoid the News and Other Triggers

While there is nothing wrong with tuning in to the news to stay abreast of current events, too much media can undermine your mental health and trigger your anxiety. When there is something as major as a global health crisis, the news is often filled with details about death tolls, disasters, and other doom and gloom. This will do nothing for your mental health. In order to better manage your mental health, you should limit your news intake and be mindful to avoid other things that may trigger your anxiety.

Telehealth

Another way to manage your anxiety in the face of a global health crisis is by seeking out the health of a professional. Although it may not be possible to be seen in person, there are plenty of telehealth professionals, such as the experts at Transformations Treatment Center, who can help you manage anxiety, addiction, and other related issues. These programs can help you to develop and stick to a treatment plan, to find better ways to manage your emotions, reduce alcohol/ drug dependency and cravings, and more.

Work it Out

Another great method of managing your anxiety in the face of a global pandemic is by exercising regularly. Moreover, you do not necessarily have to spend a great deal of time working out to reap the benefits. Experts assert that just 10-minutes a day can be enough to help you decompress and relieve stress and anxiety. This is because studies have shown that exercise can be a fast-acting method of relieving anxiety and depression. In fact, studies have shown that exercise can work just as well as medication in terms of treating anxiety and depression. No matter if you choose to dance, take a walk, jog on the stairs, do a YouTube workout, or anything else that gets you up and moving, you will be helping both your body and mind remain as healthy as possible.

Overall, you do not ever have to allow anxiety to ruin your life. No matter what is going on in the world, always remember that you have the power to control your own emotions and regain control over your life overall. While the mere thought of a global health crisis can be an anxiety-inducing premise, finding ways to get a handle on your anxiety in general, can only help you become a more confident, productive, and happy person. Either way, if you are suffering from issues such as depression, anxiety, and/or addiction, your friends at the Transformations Treatment Center would be glad to assist.