Written by: Kamini Wood, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever wondered how to reduce anxiety in times of high stress?
These days our routines have been shaken to the ground. From work and school to our social habits, life as we know it has been put on hold. We are advised to practice social distancing and be confined to our homes with no obvious end in sight. This may provoke high levels of uneasiness.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has, and continues to cause widespread anxiety and fear around the world. Fear of the unknown and uncertainty that surrounds coronavirus affects everyone. However, those with ongoing anxiety and depression issues are particularly vulnerable.
It is natural to be concerned with this situation. It is normal to experience anxiety over how long this pandemic will last, to be afraid of contracting the coronavirus or to worry about how the coronavirus pandemic will affect your financial situation.
Why Is Routine Important?
For many of us, routine means that we are in control of our lives. Routine provides a sense of security and safety, therefore, alleviating anxiety. It allows us to cope with changes and reduces our stress levels. In times of high anxiety, routines become especially important.
Routine Reduces Anxiety
In days of uncertainty, a routine can be your anchor. No matter what is going on in the outside world, knowing that you will be doing certain things at a certain time of the day provides comfort and helps manage uncertainty.
Coping with a crisis that can last unpredictably long can feel more manageable when you have some sort of structure and routine in place.
Structure and Routine Reduce Stress
Having a daily routine in times of high anxiety can help reduce your stress levels by removing uncertainty out of your daily routine. Surrounding yourself by familiar allows you to feel more in control and less stressed.
Routine Helps Prioritize Self-Care
Having a structure and routine can help keep up healthy daily habits and prioritize self-care. For example, when healthy sleep patterns, exercise are parts of your daily routine, this can make it easier to cope with anxiety and reduce stress. In addition to these healthy habits, I also believe that using mindfulness techniques for controlling anxiety is very effective.
Routine Protects Mental Health
The predictability of routine offers comfort in times of unpredictability. This helps you relax, and therefore promotes mental health. Following routines doesn’t involve a lot of decision-making, which helps alleviate the anxiety of having to make choices.
How to Follow Routine in Times of High Anxiety
Keep up routines on a personal level such as giving yourself half an hour a day to enjoy your cup of coffee while watching a favorite TV show or reading a book.
Kick-off the day with an energizing smoothie or half an hour exercise.
Write a journal each morning. Journaling can help clear your thoughts, identify and overcome negative thinking patterns and vent your emotions.
Spend time outside. Go to your garden or balcony if you are in quarantine.
Make time to talk to friends and family members who don’t live with you.
Plan activities for the whole family to enjoy (have family meals together, organize a game night once a week, or watch movies together).
Routines are important as they help make a positive impact on our mental health. And in times of high anxiety, preserving your wellbeing becomes a top priority. I hope these tips will help you alleviate some stress during this challenging time, so you can get back to feeling your best!
Kamini Wood, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kamini Wood is the founder and CEO of Live Joy Your Way and the AuthenticMe® RiseUp program. An international best-selling author Kamini is driven to support people of all ages to heal their relationship with themselves and to stop outsourcing their self-worth. As a result, her clients become their own confident, resilient self-leader with healthier relationships. Kamini is a certified life coach, board-certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, holds specialty certifications in Calling in the One®, Conscious Uncoupling®, NewMoney Story®, and teen life coaching. Also trained in conscious parenting, Kamini aims to meet her clients where they are, supporting and guiding them on their journey to where they want to be, both personally and professionally. Her mission: create space for each person to see the unique gifts they bring to this world.
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