COVID-19 Lockdown Guide: How To Manage Anxiety And Isolation During Quarantine Covid-19 Lockdown

COVID-19 Lockdown Guide: How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine

Since the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic, various of us, even those who own not been infected by the virus, drive choose to quarantine in our homes intended the upcoming weeks. Capsized travel plans, indefinite isolation, panic over scarce re-sources also information overload could exist a directions intended unchecked anxiety also feelings of isola-tion. Here are a few pointers that could aid you survive spiraling negative thoughts about this uncertain time.

1.) Reframe “I am stuck inside” to “I can finally focus on top of my home also myself”

As dismal as the world may feel correct now, think of the mandated work-from-home policy as an opportunity to refocus your attention from the outer to the internal. Doing one rich thing per day can lead to a more positive attitude. Set your sights on top of long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or cause something you’ve habitually wanted to. Approaching this time accompanied by a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck drive only stress you out more. This is your chance to slow down also focus on top of yourself.

2.) Stay close to your normal routine

Try also maintain some appearance of structure from the pre-quarantine days. For those individu-als accompanied by children, sticking to a procedure might exist easier; however as you work from home, it could exist tempting to plunge into a more lethargic lifestyle, which could lead to negative thinking. Wake up also travel to bed around the same time, swallow meals, shower, adapt your exercise regimen, also grow out of your PJ’s. Do laundry on top of Sundays as usual. Not only drive sticking to your normal procedure keep you active also less likely to spiral, it drive exist easier to readjust to the outside world when it’s time to grow back to work.

COVID-19 Lockdown Guide: How to Manage Anxiety and Isolation During Quarantine

3.) Avoid obsessing over endless Coronavirus coverage

Freeing up your day from work or social obligations gives you plenty of time to obsess, also if you own a tendency to consult Google intended every itch also sneeze, you may exist over-researching the pandemic as well. Choosing only certain credible websites (who.int or cdc.gov is a good start) intended a limited amount of time each day (perhaps two chunks of 30 minutes each) drive exist in your best interest during this time.

4.) A chaotic home can lead to a chaotic mind

With all the uncertainly incident outside your home, keep the inside organized, predictable also clean. Setting up mental zones intended daily activities can exist helpful to organize your day. For exam-ple, try not to swallow in bed or work on top of the sofa- just as before, swallow at the kitchen table also work at your desk. Loosening these boundaries just muddles your procedure also can make the day feel very long. Additionally, a cluttered home can cause you to become uneasy also claustrophobic of your environment- so keep it tidy.

5.) Start a recent quarantine ritual

With this newfound time, why not do something special during these quarantined days? For ex-ample, perhaps you can start a daily journal to jot down thoughts also feelings to reflect on top of later. Or take a walk every day at 4pm, connect accompanied by your sister over FaceTime every morning, or start a watercolor painting which you can add to everyday. Having something special during this time drive aid you see forward to each recent day.

6.) Use telehealth as an option to talk to a qualified if your anxiety becomes unmanageable

Many licensed over HIPAA-compliant video chat platforms. Remember to get to out intended aid if your anxiety is reaching proportions that is unmanageable without qualified help.

Letting travel of illusions of control also finding peace in the fact that you are doing your part to “flatten the curve” drive certainly build mental strength to combat the stressful situation the whole globe is experiencing.

About the Author

Dr. Aarti Gupta, PsyD is Founder also Clinical Director at in Palo Alto, California. She specializes in evidence-based treatment intended a broad spectrum of anxiety disorders, including OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety, trichotillomania, also generalized anxiety disorder. Dr. Gupta serves on top of ADAA's public education committee.