2020. What a year. The world is a stressful place, and returning to work can be a terrifying thought for so many people. For those of us who must return to work- we have some really difficult decisions to face upon continuing our jobs.
Some symptoms of anxiety are irritability, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks, feeling hopeless or sad, feeling tired or burnt out, feeling nervous and uncertain, and trouble sleeping.
Those of us like myself who already struggle with depression and anxiety in general pre-COVID, the symptoms can be overwhelming at times.
Some tips on dealing with anxiety in general that have personally helped me.
- Don’t obsessively check the news- especially if you’re already feeling burnt out. There is no shame in turning off the television or logging off Facebook.
- Take breaks. Go outdoors. Try and get at least 20-30 minutes of moving around per day if you aren’t already.
- Do things you genuinely enjoy during non-work hours. Start a new hobby or learn a new skill. This is called “Mastery” and it helps people feel more in control when they are put in situations they cannot control.
- One of my favorite tricks is the 4-7-8 breathing method. Inhale for 4 seconds, hold that breath for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat as many times as needed. This method is an ancient yoga practice, helping yogis control their breath. This quiets the parasympathetic nervous system in the body (fight or flight) and can regulate your heart rate and calm frazzled nerves.
- Get enough sleep. Your brain and body need rest. Sleep is also great for the immune system.
- Connect with others. Family and friends have been a godsend for me.
- Laughter is a wonderful medicine. Watching funny or happy movies can lift a bad mood.
- Practice gratefulness. Many people are still out of work and many business owners have had to close shop.
Nobody really wants to be in public right now. Working from home has been a blessing for so many people. In case your employer does not provide that option- here are some tips to help keep you healthy and safe in the workplace.
- We are all tired of hearing it- but wash your hands and use hand sanitizer. It will not only make you feel safer, it will help you actually be safer and keep coworkers safe as well.
- Avoid touching your face, mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands.
- Disinfecting wipes. The stores have restocked most of their supply. Simply wiping down common surfaces can help the spread of germs.
- Wear a mask! Protect yourself and others.
- Instead of handshakes, I’ve been favoring the “elbow bump” which decreases contact from person to person.
- Increasing your fruit intake daily can help ward off illnesses and improve your immune system and your body’s ability to fight sicknesses.
- Avoiding large crowds of people if possible.
- Make sure to be socially distancing from coworkers at least 6 feet apart.
This is where the conclusion of the blog would be. But there isn’t one. This is new territory and we’re all nervous about the future. One comforting thought is that we are all experiencing this together collectively. Be kind, be understanding, and try and help other people when you can.