A few months ago, as the World Health Organization (WHO) proclaimed a “pandemic,” over half of the world’s population experienced various forms of lockdowns. People battled with uncertainty and anxiety as they stayed at home and tried to juggle work and parenting with the full-time demand of running their households. For many, the added stress of financial responsibilities, unemployment, and furloughs was also frightening. By mid-October, experts again warned of another expected surge in cases, especially in some regions across the country. With an average of 49,000 new cases reported daily, local leaders push for new measures. You may not help but wonder how you will be coping with a second lockdown.
Anxiety during lockdowns
Anxiety disorders are crippling and are the most prevalent reported mental disorders worldwide according to WHO. One in 16 adults in the U.S. has some form of anxiety or depression, and these affect their ability to live their lives normally.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, during lockdown anxiety levels rose considerably. 40% of adults responded they were struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. Whole groups of people, including essential workers and caregivers, reported that they were experiencing health problems and had contemplated suicide.
How to make coping easier next time around?
The first lockdown showed that we all need each other and that we often neglect our wellbeing. If there is a second lockdown, the best way to manage anxiety is to reach out and to take care of our minds and bodies. Keep reading to learn about 7 great coping tips.
Not everything is within our control
If you were hard on yourself about your anxiety and stress during the first lockdown, take a step back this time around. Consider it as normal to have uncertainties, and some things are just beyond our control, which can make coping with the situation difficult. Finances and job insecurities cannot be controlled, but there are other things that you can control, so make the best of these.
Open up to others
Talk about what you are feeling with others. Thanks to technology, you can stay in touch with your friends and family. Everyone is experiencing the same anxiety as you, no matter where in the country or the world they live. You will be surprised to find that they are understanding because they also need to speak to someone who will not judge them.
Helplines are also a wonderful means of support for people who have no one willing to listen or understand.
Speak to a professional
If you feel you still need help, contact a professional, especially if your feelings of anxiety and depression are not subsiding. Your doctor will be able to offer you advice on treatments and don’t forget this doesn’t necessarily need to involve medication. Relaxation techniques, talking therapy sessions, supplements and CBD oil can all help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
Decrease social media time and news overload
Earlier in the year, as the virus spread, many people on social media overreacted. Other people watched the news continuously to see what was happening. While some news reports and social media posts helped to make people more mindful, others created more stress and anxiety, even leading to panic buying.
In the event of a second lockdown, make positive of use social media and ignore posts and hashtags that appear to be based on rumors and speculation. Watch reliable news channels when you want to see the news and get your COVID-19 data from reliable government sources. Try to spend time away from screens as well!
Keep physical
Mental strength comes from physical strength. If like most people, you spent the first lockdown fretting and anxious, while ignoring your wellbeing, this time around you know you cannot have the one without the other.
Maintain a healthy diet, avoid too much coffee, and get plenty of hydration. Don your mask and go outside for some physical activity.
CBD oil can help relieve stress
CBD for stress
The serious effects on people’s mental health during the first lockdown are likely to be felt again if we have to go through it all over again, and this time during the gruesome winter months. Stress relief can come in various forms – including plant-based solutions. And while deeper research still needs to be done, there are early indications that suggest CBD oil can have a calming effect.
CBD for stress can give you a prompt sense of calmness during lockdown insecurity. Yesterday Wellness’s organic hemp-derived CBD oil is combined with MCT oil to provide instant relief.
CBD for sleep
Stress can often cause sleep problems, but CBD oil can help slow a racing mind before bed and help aid as a potential plant-based solution for stress-driven insomnia. Try a CBD softgel with melatonin for sleep, as melatonin is known to play a natural role in sleep cycles and can help you stay asleep longer.
