I thought it would be worthwhile to write about anxiety today since it seems to be being broadcast widely with people experiencing it due to being in coronavirus lockdown.
This is happening for so many reasons. There is the constant worry that at any moment we could contract the virus and there is the worry that other people we care about could contract the virus (especially those that are vulnerable due to underlying medical conditions). However it is not just these worries that are contributing to rising anxiety. There are so many other factors that are exacerbating the problem. These include; increased stress over loss of earnings or employment, being trapped inside for prolonged periods of time, separation from friends and family and social contact, having to home-school children, hearing worrying news reports, the list goes on and on.
The problem with my anxiety was that I could never attribute it to anything. It seemed so irrational and was a symptom of mixed state bi polar depression. The good news for those who are experiencing increased anxiety at the moment is the we are all feeling it and it can be attributed to the situation so at least we have a reason to be feeling like this and some clarity as to why.
There was an interesting documentary on BBC 1 this week about improving mental health presented by former footballer Alex Scott. A few interesting things were covered including; the use of probiotic supplements to boost mood, tuning into your heart rate and curbing anxiety through breathing exercises.
The breathing exercise mentioned was one I particularly liked. It is called the 5,4,3 cycle where you close your eyes, inhale to the count of five, hold your breath for three then exhale for four. This exercise helps to calm you down and reduce your anxiety through controlled breathing. I hope you find this beneficial!
Speak to you soon!
TR