I’d like to share with you the ways I’ve been managing my anxiety during this time.

If you’re anything like me, this pandemic has triggered the heck out of your anxiety and if you don’t do anything with it, you’ll go down a rabbit hole, which we all know never leads anywhere good. So many people out there are sharing blog posts on “How To Stay Productive During Lockdown” and “How To Handle Business Through Covid-19” as well as pushing educational sales… And while that’s all fine and dandy, shit has hit the fan my friends! If you’re not feeling like maximizing your productivity during this time, THAT IS OKAY!

I’m going to say it louder for the people in the back.

“IT IS OKAY TO NOT PRESSURE YOURSELF TO MAXIMIZE YOUR PRODUCTIVITY DURING THIS PANDEMIC.” – Me

You’re allowed to slow down. You’re allowed to not be okay. You’re allowed to take a few extra days, weeks, to come to terms with all of this. Your fear is valid. Your feelings are valid.

My toughest days occurred around March 12-14th, and honestly, it was pretty unmanageable. Since then I’ve been doing a handful of practices each day to keep my anxiety at bay.

1. Prayer

I keep an open dialogue with my God. If you don’t have faith in a God, that’s okay, just try to be open to having an open ended conversation with a power greater than yourself. It could be the ocean, the wind, the mountains.. It doesn’t need to be complicated, k? I ask for relief and grace. I ask to have those I can be of most service to, to be placed in my life. I say my thanks for my health and the health of my family and friends. I ask for an open mind and patience, and for God to direct my thoughts, feelings, and actions.

2. Meditation

I’m no good at meditating, I don’t even really enjoy it (yet?), but I do know that it helps greatly. I personally use the Calm app, and have even been listening to the bed time stories at night. I know that Headspace is a good app for meditations too.

3. Hydrate

Drink lots of water. Staying hydrated is so important. Hydration has a major effect on energy levels and brain function. Note: Can you stop buying plastic water bottles? I’ll bet you can.

4. Essential Oils

I’ve been using Young Living essential oils. Lavender is my personal favorite and when I am going to bed I take a few droplets and rub my hands together and take some huge deep breaths. I usually do this while I pray.

5. Shit That Smells Good

I’ve been diffusing essential oils, burning sage, and lighting incense. I’m no hippy, but there’s something about purifying the air that makes me feel like I’m doing something right. Also, who doesn’t like when your house smells good?

6. CBD OIL

I use FYICBD oil. It’s made from isolate so there is no THC in it, which is great because I’m sober. CBD oil has MAJORLY helped my anxiety, I am so so so so grateful it was introduced to me and highly recommend FYI’s brand. I usually take 1/2 a dropper once or twice a day when my anxiety is high.

7. Talk About Your Feelings

I’ve been talking openly and honestly about how I feel with those who are closest to me. Even on days where I have been overwhelmed and even a bit embarrassed by my feelings, I remain current and up to date with my support system. I’ve also reduced my levels of communication with those who I didn’t feel supported by.

8. Create Boundaries

I’ve greatly reduced the number of times I check the news, and I’ve stopped checking the news before bed. There’s so much news out there. A lot of it is confusing, dramatic, and contradictory. I tend to stick to a few main sources, so I receive the correct information. I personally gather information from The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The WallStreet Journal.

9. Nature

Getting outside every day. Long walks at the beach, fresh air, and moving my body are all vital to keeping my stress levels down. Now, I live at the beach, so, it’s very accessible to me, even during this time of shelter in place. Either way, getting outside has been absolutely helpful in reducing my anxiety. We live in a beautiful world.

10. Rest

I am quite a good sleeper, and I know that sleep is so important to stay healthy. Studies show that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep to perform at their best. Sleep also aids good health, and right now is certainly a good time to stay healthy. I will add that creating a space that you enjoy being in will definitely help with getting better sleep. I rearranged my room the other day, as well as took my TV out of my bedroom, and I swear to you that I have slept better.

Overall, I’m feeling pretty great and doing all of these things in conjunction with maintaining a positive mindset, knowing that this will pass, has been really necessary for me during this crazy time.

I hope this helps even just one person. If this did help you, or if you have any practices to add, please comment below! I’d love to hear from you.

♥️