How To Cure Anxiety Naturally During A Pandemic

April 21, 2020Health & Wellness, Life in RecoveryTyler Collins

Did you spend the last several hours at home worrying about what’s going to happen to you, to your family, and the entire world because of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic? Is the news about the increasing number of people dying from the pandemic giving you major anxiety? Most people turn to drinking alcohol, using marijuana or taking anti-anxiety medications to calm their worries. However, it is common knowledge that these substances are addictive and if taking these substances becomes a habit, it could turn into a full-blown addiction that can be difficult to recover from.

If you’re experiencing anxiety attacks, seeing a doctor to speak about your situation is often recommended but with the Covid-19 pandemic, it is not really advisable to visit a clinic or hospital right now. So, what can you do to stop feeling anxious? While these suggestions might not entirely cure your anxiety, doing them could help you feel calmer and more centered.

Listen to soothing music

Block out all the noise and the depressing news by listening to some soothing music. Put on your headphones and find pleasure in your favorite tunes. Try to stay away from heartbreak songs or angsty songs. Focus on songs that calm you and make you feel happy. A great tip is to go on YouTube, look for 8D music, put on your headphones and enjoy!

Aromatherapy

Smelling calming scents can definitely help you relax. If you’re feeling anxious, light up some scented candles. Another great idea is to apply scented hand creams, oils, or lotion on your hands and take deep breaths while doing so. Since you’re probably washing your hands several times a day, this will not only pleasure your sense of smell but also keep your hands moisturized.

Drink herbal tea

On your next trip to the supermarket, don’t forget to stock up on chamomile tea and peppermint tea. These teas are reported to have relaxing effects. Peppermint tea contains menthol which is a natural muscle relaxant. This will help you if you’re feeling tense and agitated. Because peppermint tea does not have any caffeine, it’s a great drink before going to bed.

Just like peppermint tea, chamomile tea is a relaxant which can help if you’re experiencing insomnia. Chamomile tea is known to be a natural cure for anxiety and stress.

Bond with your loved ones

Being forced to stay at home may not be as exciting as getting to travel, attending a music festival, or eating out in a trendy restaurant. Instead of feeling upset, why don’t you take this chance to bond with your friends and loved ones? If you have family, spend more time talking with them and doing fun activities at home. You can also video call friends and loved ones who are living away from you. Having a support system is very important when you are always feeling anxious.

Meditation

With you not being able to go out anywhere, it is a great time to start a mindfulness meditation practice. Mindfulness meditation has been shown to relieve stress and anxiety. Starting meditation is really easy. Here’s how:

• • Take a few minutes a day to just sit down comfortably and stay still.

• Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and as you take the breath just focus on it – how your chest expands, how your shoulders lift, how your belly contracts, and the coolness and the warmth in your body as you inhale and exhale.
• Acknowledge the thoughts that may distract you from your breath but try to stay focused on your breathing.
• Do this for 10 to 20 minutes a day. You can use music as your timer instead of a jarring alarm so you can stay relaxed after meditating.

Sleep

If you feel that you’re overworked and your job is not letting you get enough sleep, then this is your chance to catch up on those much needed bedtime. As you’re staying home, there’s really no reason why you shouldn’t be getting 7 to 9 hours of sleep (unless you’re taking care of a newborn baby).

Having good quality sleep will help clear your head so you will be less irritable during the day. Another added benefit is that sleep will help strengthen your immune system. So, don’t feel guilty waking up later than usual.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, help is available.

Contact Lighthouse Treatment Center today.