Coping with Disruption

Handling stressors and anxiety during COVID-19 quarantine.

How’s everyone doing out there? I’m sure watching the news and scanning social media posts isn’t making it any “easier” to deal with being quarantined. COVID-19 is creating anxiety almost everywhere you look. I’ve noticed that amidst all of the reports that we are being fed (whether traditional or social media) levels of anxiety and panic are at a high.

Stress and anxiety can have an overwhelming effect on the body. It can cause panic attacks, headaches, irritability, depression, increased blood pressure, upset stomach, loss of libido, muscle aches and other pains. How can we cope? Imagine what your life would be like if you could reduce your anxiety… Imagine cultivating an environment where “calm” is the norm while being mindful of the events happening around you. It can be done. This week on PB Eatz’s Medicinal Monday post, we will talk about coping with uncertainty during a time of high stress and anxiety.

**Disclaimer: No one here at Plant-Based Eatz is denying nor avoiding the issues. We understand that they are very real and should be taken seriously.**

COVID-19: The reality is unavoidable

People are losing their s***. Folks are irritable, schools and businesses are closed until further notice, grocery stores are limiting the number of customers shopping, many people are in complete isolation, and no one has a clue about what will happen next. Yeah, it’s some scary stuff. Not only is health a concern for the physical body, but the health of our economy.

Now, it is TOTALLY understandable to experience heightened anxiety during a time uncertainty. Depending on where you are geographically, it can be complete chaos for you. As I mentioned last week, you could use this opportunity to improve your physical health (eating well, getting sunlight, washing your hands, practicing social distancing), but you can also use this time as a chance to improve your mental health and anxiety.

Let’s Calm Down Together

Acceptance: We can only control what is in our control

This is a complete state of mind. The sooner we accept what we can and cannot control, we will see the anxiety dissipate. Has worrying ever changed anything? Accepting change (and how you deal with it) can improve your mental health.

Being Mindful: Choosing our focus and actions

Actively choose what you do and what you pay attention to. Instead of sitting in front of your television or staring at your mobile device all day, be active at home. Try meditation. Maybe some yoga. Doing more positive activities with loved ones or actively engaging in a new found hobby while focusing on the POSITIVE aspects, can help minimize worries about the unknown (the what-ifs/worst case scenarios). Be mindful even when you decide to make that run to the grocery store. The long lines and paranoia can cause high levels of stress… Don’t worry. Take a moment and breath deeply and be mindful that we are ALL in this together. It will take time.

Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet: Healthy Inside. Healthy Outside.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables. Drink plenty of water. Move more. Don’t stay sedentary getting your anxiety levels up. Stressing can do a number on your immune system. We want you healthy. That means your physical and mental health.

The truth is that we only have this moment to live in… Just this moment! We don’t know what will happen next or what lies ahead for the “coronavirus,” however, it is how we handle ourselves in this “unprecedented” time that will surely make or break us. I believe in you… I believe in us as a people on this planet. Keep believing and take time each day to enjoy it. WOOSAH!

I love each and every one of you. We here at Plant-Based Eatz want all of you to live your best life and stay healthy. -Kay