It’s okay to feel anxious. It’s valid and understandable but, if it’s taking too many effects on your mental health then you should look after yourself and help fight the dark thoughts.

"Fear and anxiety however are normal reactions to the situation as well as the control measures imposed by the government such as community quarantines, and travel restrictions," the Psychological Association of the Philippines said.

We’re now entering the third month of this pandemic shut down. The crisis itself creates stress and anxiety, and as we continuously deal with it, it’s going to take a huge emotional toll on us.

If you are having trouble sleeping at night, losing your interest in things, and feeling helpless lately due to virus outbreak — it’s CORONAVIRUS ANXIETY.

This is a vivid manifestation of an occurrence of a crisis within a crisis — a very alarming concern that one must be taken seriously.

To keep your mental health in check, here are some self-care tips we all should follow:

• BREATH DEEPLY

This pandemic outbreak is beyond any single person’s control and so it can be overwhelming for some. It naturally triggers anxiety as we think more about it.

In most therapy sessions, deep breathing is the first thing therapists would advise to patients for it's free and really works.

Jane Webber, a trauma counselor and a professor of Counselor Education at Kean University in New Jersey said that the proper way to do deep breathing is to breathe through the nose, hold it, and then exhale very slowly out through your mouth like you're breathing through a straw.

Webber added that when we breathe slowly out, we improve our whole picture of life and reduce our nervousness.

PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING PAL!

• STAY CONNECTED

We have all been longing for social interactions and connections in this time of uncertainty but as much as we want to, this pandemic halt us and it exacerbates our anxiety and stress.

Always keep in touch with your family, friends, and colleagues via phone or social media and simply enjoy each other’s company — to laugh, share stories, and focus on other things going on in our lives.

ALWAYS REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT WHEN YOU NEED IT!

• GRAB A BOOK

As petty as it may seem, reading is one of the most powerful ways to cope up with anxiety. It diverts your attention for a while and takes you to a whole new dimension without thinking about the worries and fears that keep dragging you into nothingness.

A bibliotherapy is a therapeutic approach that uses literature to support good mental health. It is a versatile and cost-effective treatment option often adapted or used to supplement other types of therapy.

In an article written by Yann Magcamit of NOLISOLI.PH, it states that among the benefits of bibliotherapy reported by Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson, Ed.D. and Paula McMillen, Ph.D. through the American Counseling Association is its effectiveness in promoting problem-solving, increasing compassion, developing empathetic understanding and enhancing self-awareness.

READ A BOOK TO PUT YOURSELF AT EASE!

• TAKE BREAKS FROM BREAKING NEWS

It’s good to know that many of us are eager to know about what’s happening in the community, so you can follow advised safety precautions and do your part to slow the spread of coronavirus. But did you know that most of the information going around may only feed more your fear? That’s when anxiety grows and affects us. 

Information overload can also add up to anxiety. Manage your stress by catching up on news at specific times of the day.

• TAKE TIME TO DO THINGS YOU ENJOY

Watch your favorite shows, take up hobbies, dance, pray, or do other things that make you feel good.

It is strongly recommended to do a lot of things you enjoy the most. With this move, you can lessen the worrisome that keeps on hanging with you. It’s okay not to be okay from time to time but you should reward yourself a lot—This is the build time to rekindle the moments you wish to have more time to start doing your inner desires.

INDULGE YOURSELF!

This pandemic outbreak is beyond any single person’s control and so, it can be overwhelming for some. It naturally triggers anxiety as many think more about it.

We all need to still stay optimistic amid this chaotic time. Hang in there, we will all get through this!