In the past I’ve been vocal about my walk with anxiety and how it’s affected my life. I’ve seemed to get a pretty good grasp on my anxiety. Enter: COVID19. We’re now experiencing a once in a lifetime type of anxiety with quarantine. A virus so tricky it’s taking over the world and we’re left with little answers and absolutes. If you’re feeling anxious or mentally paralyzed during this time – it’s totally normal. We’re experiencing a total lack of control in our workplace, social realm and now physical movements. So what can we do to soothe this anxiety? I’ve compiled some tricks that have been working for me – specially during the COVID19 outbreak. Keep reading for 7 natural remedies to ease anxiety during COVID19.
A lavender epsom salt bubble bath
My forever go-to during times of anxiety – a lavender bubble bath. Why lavender? It has soothing properties that quite literally ease your mind. The epsom salt and warm water will help to relax your muscles. The bubbles…well they’re just fun. Here is my #1 go-to lavender epsom salt bubble bath. It’s affordable, smells delicious and creates lots and lots of bubbles!
Dress for comfort
Take advantage of this time and ditch the dress pants and shirts and replace them with comfortable alternatives. While going full on bum mode 24/7 may not be good for your mental health – there are many hacks to upping the comfort level. For example: wearing comfortable clothing. It’s times like these where comfortable clothing and undergarments are essential y’all. Check out my favorite affordable loungewear.
Weekly check-ins with friends
Social interaction is essential to mental health. We are physically separated from many of our loved ones at this time. Whether you are quarantined by yourself, with your significant other or a roommate – it’s important to check in with those you can’t be with physically. I’m personally staying with my family so I have a friendship sized whole in my heart. I make sure to keep up with my best friends and be honest about how I’m feeling. It’s important to have people in your life who love you that can hold you accountable. Also, you’d be surprised how many people are feeling severe anxiety as well!
Quiet time with a great book
Social media and news sites can be filled with anxiety ridden articles – often with conflicting information. Before bed, give your mind a rest from screens and pull out a book! Fiction books can help us to escape into a different world – even for a short period of time. Personally, I enjoy self development books. Specifically, those specializing in anxiety and personal growth. Also, if you’re a list person like me you will love this list making journal to sooth nerves. Also, if you’re into devotionals, this book is pure magic.
get rid of my pain without medicine
Journaling your feelings
Write it all down, sista! Get it out. Trust me, it feels good. Whether you write in an old fashioned diary or a note on your iPhone (I do this for convenience) you’ll likely feel much better afterwards. Sometimes you’ll read your entries back and understand the root of your anxiety even more. I encourage you to share excerpts with your therapist! And if you don’t have a therapist – now is the time! There are so many online options (including this one and this one).
CBD oil
It took me a while to hop on board – but I’m now a believer in CBD oil. For those worried (hi, anxiety) CBD oil will NOT get you high. It does not have any THC. CBD oil is used for pain management as well as anxiety. Make sure to Google the proper amount to take for your height/bodyweight. If you don’t want to take it straight – you can add it to your coffee or smoothie. It has no taste, so. you won’t even notice! I try to take sparingly – only when my anxiety is interfering with my everyday life.
Pain Management
Frequently, anxiety can come with some nasty side effects. For those in chronic pain, it can seem especially difficult to manage pain without over the counter medicine. However, there are ways to get rid of my pain without medicine including herbal remedies, nutritional supplements and simple lifestyle changes.
Meditation/ yoga
Meditation and yoga can be lifesavers when it comes to anxiety. They will allow you to physically slow down and tap into your inner thoughts. This app is amazing for meditation (and it’s free!) not to mention the dude’s voice is unbelievably relaxing. As for yoga – there are tons of free Youtube videos with yoga sessions! Get your leggings on and start to move those hips, sis!
Realizing ‘this too shall pass’
Even the worst storms pass. Understand and remind yourself this is temporary. Even when it feels like it will go on forever – we will overcome this virus and flourish. And maybe even become better versions of ourselves during the process. Now is the time to work on yourself – for yourself.
