10 Ways to Combat Anxiety (in the current state of the world)

We are living in unprecedented times. We are in the midst of a pandemic (COVID-19), during racial protests (Black Lives Matter), riots all over the country, a completely divided country politically and socially. It’s an election year, which further divides our country. And, for some reason, we had a mass toilet paper scare. Those of us who already had anxiety (PTSD and agoraphobia, here), have been very much on edge and feeling very helpless. 

1.  Limit your exposure to the news! Twitter, CNN, MSNBC, FOX News, and even local news. Some people have a higher threshold for things like constantly being bombarded with new, yet old information, but, for some of us, it can be overstimulating and overwhelming. 
2.  DO NOT GET YOUR NEWS FROM FB MEMES or stories (yeah, Mom). Always consider the source and don’t let others color your own views on social and health topics. 
3. Use critical thinking when you DO get your news. Is it a fact, or an opinion? If it’s a bunch of talking heads arguing, it’s surely an opinion. 
4. Take a break from social media and-hell-even your phone. Spend some much needed time with friends, family, pets, plants, who cares! Just do something different, even if it has to be virtual, don’t deny yourself that human connection.
5.  Find a new hobby…or finish that craft you started, yet never finished 100 years ago…
6.  Redecorate a room, or shift art, furniture, knick knacks, blankets, pictures frames, etc. to refresh a room and give it a fresh look!
7.  HELLLLOOOO Dollar Tree! And Salvation Army! Best 2 places to  shop, in my opinion and, if you feel safe enough, (health wise) to go out, then take a little trip. 
8.  Find a new show to binge-watch (or an old one that you loved!). 
9.  Read a book (or listen to one). Books are still out there, I promise. (I love the smell of books in a library though). 
10.  Work it out! Yoga, walking, running, Pilates, weights. You must move it to lose it!