Coronavirus Anxiety
It is fair to say that the COVID-19 outbreak in an unprecedented phenomenon, so it is completely understandable that many people are feeling increased levels of anxiety and stress through this period.
Whether it be feeling concerned about the lockdown and restrictions brought in by the government, feeling unsure of how the crisis will affect your personal life and relationships, or worrying about your health as well as your family and friends – there are many aspects of the new situation that could leave you feeling stressed or anxious.
Here we take a look at five ways that can help you cope with any anxiety or stress related to the coronavirus outbreak.
Focus on what you can control.
The COVID-19 outbreak has put us in an unprecedented position, with businesses having to find new ways to work and lockdowns affecting every person across the country. This can leave us feeling that we cannot control our lives – and that loss of control can feel overwhelming, leading to anxiety and stress.
The key thing to note here is that you need to free yourself from worrying about the things that you can’t control and focus on what you can. 24/7 access to social media and online news means that many of us are switched on to the ongoing crisis all day. This can be extremely intense and has the potential to be very distressing. Establish what is a trigger for your feelings of anxiety and avoid those situations wherever possible.
Keep in contact.
Given the virus is physically affecting many people both through physical isolation and from the perspective of the illness itself, it has left a significant number of people feeling lonely, anxious about their health, and worried about the future.
It is important, then, to ensure that you do not feel too lonely or isolated. If you would usually see loved ones, friends, and family, phone them instead or use video calling for a face-to-face chat.
Exercise when possible.
As a part of the terms of the lockdown in the UK, individuals and people who live together are allowed to leave home once a day to exercise. It is well worth taking advantage of this. Get out into the fresh air and exercise when it is possible to do so. It may be nothing more than a walk around the block, but it can be a great way to clear your head and connect with the outside world.
Eat healthily.
Maintaining a healthy diet is an important way to reduce anxiety and stress. The fact that restaurants are closed for dining in means that you will be doing a lot more of your own cooking. Focus on healthy options with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Online Counselling could help you.
If you are currently self-isolating or under quarantine – or simply would prefer not to leave your home due to the medical situation – it could be the case that online counselling services would be a good option. This allows you to get any counselling services you require and help with your mental health without worrying that you are breaking lockdown and social distancing rules.
Technological advances mean that it is now possible for trained counsellors to provide you with confidential and private spaces to talk through any anxieties and issues you are having that revolve around the COVID-19 crisis.
If you are interested in learning more about our range of online counselling services, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today. Call us on 020 3930 1007 or email contact@leonecentre.com, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Alison Wragg
I am the Lead Consultant for our Corporate and Consultancy services. An experienced integrative therapist, couple and marriage counsellor, organisational development consultant, trainer, visiting lecturer and facilitator,
Talk with a Leone Centre Professional
If you do feel like you need some help and support, our Leone Centre professionals are available 7 days a week. Call us on 020 3930 1007. We can also provide fast track therapy.
We can offer in-person counselling in London appointments at our head office in Fulham and our offices in Kensington, Wimbledon and Belgravia, We also service Victoria, Putney, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, Mayfair, and City of London.
In addition, we offer Online Therapy appointments wherever in the world you are located, should this better fit around your existing commitments or if you are not able to attend an in-person appointment.
