How to Cope With Stress During COVID-19: A Stress Management Plan

26 per cent of Australians claim they have more anxiety than the average person. Unfortunately, those with anxiety issues suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now that New South Wales and other parts of Australia are opening up, you may still feel anxiety when leaving the house for essential reasons, such as going to work or going to the supermarket.

While it’s normal to worry about your health, anxiety shouldn’t keep you from experiencing life. You can feel better leaving the house by undergoing some simple stress management practices.

Here’s a post-COVID stress management plan to follow.

The Relaxation Response

The Relaxation Response is a stress management method developed by Dr Herbert Benson. You use breath and body movements to eliminate your stress response.

Start by taking slow breaths through your diaphragm. Focus on your breathing — try to not let your mind wander. Next, work on your body responses. Start by tensing the muscles in your feet. Start with one foot. Hold the muscle tenses for 10 seconds, continuing to breathe.

Work your way up your body. Tense the muscles in your legs, stomach, chest, back, hands, arms, and shoulders. Don’t forget to breathe.

Take a Walk

Even five minutes of aerobic exercise can cause anxiety relief. Exercise, even light exercise such as walking, increases endorphins in your brain. This not only kills stress but also improves your overall mood.

Go out for a walk every day. If you’re concerned about social distancing, just stay two metres away from others. Walk around your neighbourhood instead of the park. You can also bring some hand sanitiser with you.

If you’re concerned about a pre-existing condition, be sure to wear your medical ID accessories.

Go on a Virtual Museum Tour

Even during the coronavirus pandemic, there are ways you can have fun while staying inside. Virtual museum tours have been a favourite among people. You’ll specifically want to choose art museums to relieve anxiety. Looking at art is calming and even meditative, keeping your mind off of anxious thoughts.

If museums don’t interest you, many zoos and aquariums are offering virtual tours. You’ll see mesmerising views of different animals. For the ultimate serene experience, watch one of their nighttime live tours.

Light and Smell Therapy

Certain lights and smells can improve your mood and reduce anxiety.

Wake up early and sit outside or look out your window. Early morning light creates positive changes in the brain, relieving anxiety. If it’s a dark and rainy day, make sure you have lights that imitate natural light in your home.

Aromatherapy is also a popular way to decrease stress. Many people enjoy diffusing essential oils. Choose calming scents, such as lavender, orange, bergamot, rose, rosemary, and grapefruit.

Managing Stress With Phone Apps

You can find an app for everything, including relaxation. Phone apps for meditation and sleep help when dealing with stress. These apps usually use sounds and scenes that evoke relaxation.

Other users prefer ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) to relax and sleep. There are also stretching and yoga apps to physically de-stress.

If none of these appeals to you, there are audiobook apps that can not only decrease anxiety but offer an escape from your stressful thoughts.

Surround Yourself With Nature

Do you notice you cope with stress better when you're out in nature?. There’s a science behind this — nature is filled with negative ions, which has a relaxing effect on your brain and body. Whether you take a long hike or walk around your backyard, connecting with nature can leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed.

You should be prepared when you’re out in nature. Have a first aid kit filled with essentials such as band-aids, alcohol swabs, and itch relief. You should also have a camping safety and bites and stings first aid kit if you plan on spending lots of time in nature.

Watch TV

Surprisingly, binge-watching Netflix is a great way to relieve anxiety. Streaming programs offer a variety of movies and shows to keep your mind off of your anxious thoughts.

What should you watch? Some prefer feel-good programs, such as Christmas movies. Others find surprising comfort in horror movies and shows. And there are those who have a passion, such as sports, and prefer watching those programs.

Pursue a Hobby

Just because COVID-19 restrictions are decreasing doesn’t mean you need to stop pursuing your quarantine hobby. Hobbies help take your mind off of anxious thoughts. It also provides a purpose in life and a way to connect with others.

Don’t have a hobby yet? Some recommended hobbies for anxiety sufferers include cooking and painting. If you live with others, such as a spouse or a family member, playing chess or board games will help keep you both entertained.

Know What to Do If You Get Sick

Since more people are out and about, many people fear a second wave of the virus. Knowing what to do if you get the virus will give you a sense of preparedness.

For most people, coping with COVID-19 is fairly simple. First, know where the nearest testing site is. You’ll want to have a medical ID accessory on hand, especially if you have a pre-existing condition.

While you wait for the test results, you can identify symptoms before seeing a doctor. Common COVID-19 symptoms include a fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, loss sense of smell, and headache.

Even if you’re positive for COVID-19, the best course of action is to stay quarantined and not see a doctor unless it’s an emergency situation. Signs of a COVID emergency include severe chest pain, confusion, and bluish lips.

Many sources say shortness of breath is a COVID-19 symptom, but it’s also a symptom of a panic attack. If you experience shortness of breath, start diaphragmatic breathing. See a doctor if your shortness of breath is accompanied by a fever and persistent cough.

Stay Mentally Healthy With This Stress Management Plan

We’re living in scary times and those with anxiety issues may have trouble coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, even though everything is opening up. If you’re struggling to stay calm, try this stress management plan.

Many people still find comfort in having medical essentials. We sell a variety of items, such as hand sanitiser, medical ID cards, and vitamins. Shop with us today.