We are trying to protect our emotions and health with many behavioral measures we have developed against the coronavirus that has emerged recently. However, although our efforts to protect our physical health seem functional, it can be quite difficult to manage our emotions. The anxiety, loneliness, helplessness, hopelessness and fear we feel in the face of this situation create an even more compelling pressure on our affected functional lives. People are faced with problems such as creating unusual life plans, spending time at home, anxiety caused by economic uncertainties, and concern for ourselves and our loved ones.
Increasing cases have made us obsessed with following the news. There are many things we can do about "how can we reduce our anxiety?" at a time when this puts an extra burden on the already existing anxiety.
Let's not underestimate our abilities and ability to adapt.
1- By following the news from reliable sources, we should be able to stay away from unfounded, worry-provoking information whose source is unknown. Everyone has used the internet at some point in their lives to find solutions to their physical symptoms and to understand what is going on. While doing this research, he will remember how his anxiety increased and his belief in the worst possible situation that could happen to him increased with what he read, without paying much attention to the source. Intense pursuit of news keeps mental activity active and increases anxiety. Looking at this news from a few reliable sources and within a certain time period will help you manage your anxiety.
2- Minimizing the emotional reasoning method and actively using the logical reasoning method can be effective in managing anxiety. We have the ability to adjust our own emotions by looking at the emotions of others. This sometimes appears as a disadvantage. Consider the post shared by the individual at home or your friend on social media. Sharing and conversations with intense anxiety will have an impact on your anxiety. "So I should be feeling intense anxiety, I wonder if I'm just a little worried?", he attempted to reason using the emotions of others as a reference. We can find ourselves. Trying to regulate our own emotions by relying on the emotions of others can be misleading and your anxiety level can increase. Emotions are subjective experiences. Therefore, evaluating the emotions of others and your own emotions from a logical perspective will be beneficial in managing your anxiety.
3- you can stay isolated but connected. Even if we isolate ourselves from social media, we can stay connected to our family and friends online. Although social interaction has a very important place in human psychology, we must continue to maintain connection in a period when social contact is so low. Conversations with lots of sharing and laughter, where common concerns are discussed, future plans are made, and good memories of the past are talked about, will reduce your anxiety.
4- There is no situation that would prevent us from disrupting self-care and being behaviorally active. We know from research that light exercises and sports are effective on depression and anxiety. Ensuring the continuation of self-care (sleep, nutrition, cleaning, working…) will send the message to your brain that your routine is not disrupted. Helping your mind, which is bombarded with intense chaotic thoughts, helps you cope with anxiety more healthily.
5- You can mentally create positive images for the future. To see if this works, notice how images of disaster in the future increase your anxiety. Just as future disaster scenarios increase our anxiety, positive future scenarios will help reduce anxiety.
6- You can help others. Your neighbor, your friend, someone in need, or your family may need your support. This doesn't have to be just financial aid. Even a conversation you have, understanding the other person's feelings and listening to them effectively, and making suggestions to reduce their anxiety can make you feel better.
Incorporating one or more of them into your routine life will make a difference. Do not hesitate to seek professional support for unmanageable concerns. Stay healthy…
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