Have you reached your threshold for stress in 2020? If so, you are not alone. This is a time of previously unseen turmoil. Each one of us is navigating uncharted territory. To call this scenario frightening would be a vast understatement. The mere act of monitoring news headlines is enough to trigger anxiety. 

If any or all of this sounds familiar, take heart. It is normal and okay to feel afraid under such dire circumstances. Through a combination of self-care steps and guidance from a therapist, you can rediscover your balance in the age of COVID-19.

Pandemic Panic

It’s no secret that current events are stressful. On top of that, the situation is limiting some common forms of stress relief like hanging out with friends and loved ones, going to a gym, etc. The impact of the “pandemic panic” on both our minds and bodies may manifest itself in the following ways: 

Emotional Impact

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Restlessness and irritability

• Engaging in behaviors to self-soothe, such as overeating, alcohol consumption, etc.

Physical Symptoms

• Digestive issues like acid reflux

• Tense muscles

• Unexplained body aches and pains

• Sleep disturbances

• Headaches

4 Ways to Cope & De-Stress in 2020

1. Limit Your Exposure to the Constant Stream of Screens

That phone in your pocket is such a mixed blessing. It opens a whole universe to you, but the downside is, well… it opens a whole universe to you. 

Tech breaks and a digital diet are always a good idea. In 2020, screen restraint has become a survival technique. All-access media and high alert headlines do little to inform when they play on constant repeat. In reality, you can do just fine with periodic updates. Anything more than that is putting you at risk of becoming overwhelmed.

2. Actively Seek Out Positive Stories

De-stressing does not have to lead to cutting things out of your life. You can actively seek out positive input. 

Since March, the #covidkindness hashtag has been trending. Plus, there are countless websites and email lists specifically designed to deliver upbeat and uplifting stories. It can be both calming and empowering to take back control of the content you choose to consume.

3. Diligently Practice Daily Self-Care

In difficult times, you may feel your resilience is being drained. To counter such burnout, it makes a whole lot of sense to replenish your inner reserve of positive energy. Routine self-care can keep lethargy and negativity from becoming a baseline state of mind. This will help create a better, more enduring version of you.

Your self-care basics should include:

• Begin the day with some relaxation techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, or mediation

• Maintain a regular sleep pattern and sleep hygiene

• Be sure to engage in daily physical activity and exercise

• Cultivate healthy eating habits

4. Choose Gratitude as Often as Possible

This tip is a little more abstract, but it also focuses on balance, as do the three previous suggestions. Every one of us has reason to be scared, angry, frustrated, and concerned right now. Just as surely, we each have excellent reasons to be grateful. Choose gratitude as a daily practice. Revel in the small, simple moments that enrich your life. Make a commitment to keep a gratitude journal to honor these important moments.

Getting the Support You Need

Even in the age of social distancing, you do not have to suffer alone. Counseling has a long, proven track record for helping people during a crisis. Circumstances vary and they often change, but through it all, your regular therapy sessions can serve to guide you. Stress, tension, and anxiety are a struggle. Working with a skilled professional can help ease that struggle and move you towards healing and recovery.  Your journey from stress to coping can begin right now! 

Contact the Relationship Counseling Center of Austin if you have been experiencing heightened anxiety, panic, or stress in your day-to-day life due to current events. Schedule an appointment with a therapist by calling (512) 270-4883, or submit a request online through our Scheduling page.