Practical Tips to Reduce COVID-19 Anxiety

There is no right way to feel right now.

In this time of uncertainty, around health, finances, and how best to spend our days (which likely look radically different from last week), there is no correct response. Whether you’re feeling anxious, or scared, calm, ambitiously productive, or thankful for a slower pace, it’s all ok. 

Likely, you’re experiencing some combination. For many, the global situation around COVID-19 is anxiety-provoking. Information-overload, from credible and (unfortunately) non-credible sources, dramatically shifted routines, and financial or employment uncertainty combine to shake emotional resolve. 

So far, my husband, Drew, and I are thankful for continued health and extra time to enjoy these sunny skies. I haven’t been a stranger to moments of anxiety though. After reflecting, I realized my biggest hurdle has been effectively maintaining boundaries - around working from home and social media. 

Here’s what’s helped me so far. I hope it helps you too. 

1. Starting my day screen/media-free. 

   Usually, I reach for my phone within minutes of waking. This isn’t ideal at the best of times, but was especially negative for me this last week. Instead, reading my book, doing a quick meditation or stretch, or simply sitting and sipping some tea in the morning sunlight vastly improves my mood heading into each day. 

2. Prioritizing time outside.

   We’re incredibly fortunate to have fantastically sunny spring days right now in Vancouver, and I want to make the most of them. Getting outside for a walk, hike, bike-ride, or workout boosts your vitamin D, keeps your body moving, and is a potent anti-anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) and anti-depressant. 

3. Designating a work-from-home space.

   We live in a one-bedroom apartment so I’m working at the kitchen table. It’s a wonderfully sunny spot with big windows, but if we had the space, I would prefer a separate office space with a door. This allows you to create a physical boundary between work and home-life - something that’s exceedingly necessary when working from home.

4. Maintaining regular work hours as much as possible.

   I’m new to working from home and have struggled to set it aside when everything remains so accessible from my laptop. I want to get back to patients as soon as possible. I want to stay up-to-date on current updates. I want to develop new programs. But I’m ever-learning that making the most of each day is not equal to doing the most. 

5. Checking in with family, friends, and colleagues from afar.

   This helps me feel connected, lets me know others are experiencing similar struggles, and helps me maintain perspective. Communicating shared experience can be extremely healing. 

The most important thing we can be doing currently is practicing social distancing to protect others, even more so than ourselves. So if at all possible, please stay home. 

Last night, Drew and I watched Frozen 2 (who else is extra thankful for in-home streaming right now?!). There’s an unexpectedly poignant recurring line in the movie, urging us to simply “do the next right thing” in response to uncertainty. (Thanks, Disney.) That’s all we can do for now, and that’s sufficient.