Feeling Anxious? 5 Ideas That Will Help You Feel Better Immediately
by Ryan Shea
The words “anxiety” and “2020” go hand in hand. None of us have come out of this year smelling roses due to just how unprecedented everything has been with COVID-19.
Anxiety has hit us in many forms. We’ve had to endure losing jobs, losing loved ones, financial difficulties, separation issues due to social distancing and so much more. Having an upbeat mindset during this worldwide pandemic was and is very tricky as there’s so much gloom and doom around us with no ending in sight as the cure has yet to be developed.
It’s also a depressing time of the year regardless of COVID as some tend to fall into a state of sadness with what the holidays can do to them. There are ways, however, to alleviate yourself of this pain that will hopefully make you feel better as soon as possible.
Check out five of those ideas below.
1: Go Outside (Properly)
Put that face mask on and enjoy the great outdoors during this chilly time of year. There’s a Nordic version called “friluftsliv” where people have been embracing the frigid weathers as a way to beat the Coronavirus blues and discover just how happy they can be ahead of a potential second lockdown.
2: Schedule Time With Pals
Always make sure you are staying connected with the people you love. Set up a weekly group chat on Zoom or anyone other video conferencing service where you can talk about what’s going on in your life. Do a one on one with someone who will always put a smile on your face no matter how you’re feeling. The love given and received can be something truly incredible even if it’s a virtual only kind of situation.
3: Throw Yourself a Dance Party
This may sound absurd but hear me out. Say you’re feeling immensely stressed one day where your anxiety is on the up and up. Shut everything down for at least 10 to 15 minutes, find the most upbeat and happiest music you have, and dance your heart out. This will bring out those lovely endorphins in your body that boost feelings of pleasure and well-being. And who doesn’t like that?
4: LOL at Your Favorite TV Shows or Movies
One of the positives that COVID has caused is that we have fallen in love with television shows and movies from the comfort of our own homes. Some have caught up on old favorites while others have discovered new or hidden gems that they can’t stop talking about. Find something that will make you giggle or smile with delight during a rather difficult day. Might I suggest The Great British Baking Show? Adorable personalities plus delicious food is always a plus in my book.
5: Come To This Important Realization
I tend to see the glass half full with my own understanding that COVID won’t be around forever. A lot of our current anxieties are encompassed by it so it’s good to keep in mind that at some point this will be a thing of the past. It’s very cloudy now but at some point we will see the sun again on this thing called life.
About the Author:
Ryan Shea is an established writer who has contributed thought-provoking pieces for many different industries. He has worked for major publications including Newsday, Hollywood Life, Instinct Magazine and The Ladders.
