Anxiety In The Coronavirus Quarantine Is The New Normal. Tips To Deal With It

COVID-19 has brought the world to a standstill. Everyone is confined to their home, stepping outside is down to a minimum and everything from work to recreation is bound to the four walls you're in. In a situation like this, anxiety is a natural side-effect. With constant gloom, limited personal space and being boxed for weeks at end, it has practically become the new normal. However, you cannot let anxiety overcome you.

Says Kate Sheehan, Director of the UCLA Cares Center, "Anxiety is really a survival mechanism that is developed for us to stay safe. It looks for threat or danger." The psychological impact on quarantined communities can include anxiety, post-traumatic stress and insomnia.

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Tips To Beat Anxiety When Quarantined At Home

Overcome anxiety during this period with these tips.

1. Make Lists

"I'm having my clients write lists of what is in their control and what is out of their control, particularly after they watch news," says Sheehan and continues, "There's an opportunity for us to practice self-compassion during this time."

2. Maintain Connections

Mental health experts say it's important to maintain human connections, even if it is done virtually.

3. Rituals And Practices

"I encourage people to start meditating," says Dr Ellie Zarrabian, Founder of Centerpiece Foundation, elaborating, "If you have a prayer ritual, if your pastor or rabbi can meet online." Prayer rituals and practices can help when in isolation.

4. Keep Active

When your body is kept active, your mind stays healthy too. "Five or ten minutes of movement is way better than avoiding the workout completely, says Joe Garcia, owner of Arena Fitness. Take time to tend to the mind, body and spirit when isolating.

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