We’ve been indoors, social distancing since March.
Back then, you’d be sitting there scouring the web in hopes of finding a secret cyber stash of Lysol and toilet paper when you’d catch a line that stopped you right in your tracks.
Sure, this is a difficult situation, but the media will always hype things up to cause fear and anxiety because it makes for better ratings. The downside is it perpetuates the underlying fear and anxiety we’re already dealing with.
Once you’ve been inside for close to a month, you start to feel weird being around people and develop anxiety simply being in others’ company—even if it’s just in line at Target.
You’re watching everyone, they’re watching you, and you’re counting the moments until you get back to your car.
It will be a while before the world goes back to what we once knew, so in the meantime, let’s talk about five ways to handle COVID-induced anxiety when you’re out in public.
1. Focus on Breathing
Whether you’re new to anxiety, or you’ve dealt with it for a while, breathing is the most important thing you can adopt and perfect, with different techniques and by using relaxation oils.
We tend to breathe a little faster when we’re nervous or anxious. When this happens, hyperventilation throws off the body’s natural balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
This only further contributes to dizziness, increased heart rate, and many other effects that mirror anxiety symptoms. By practicing different breathing techniquesand using relaxation oils, you can work to calm the mind as well as the body. Take deep breaths in for a few seconds, hold it for a second, and release for a few seconds.
Repeat this process as needed while you’re out, or any other time you need to calm the mind and body.
2. Go with Friends
Distractions work wonders for anxiety. Most likely because you’re taking your mind off what’s going on in your head, it’s probably why some people say, “You have to get out of your head.”
Next time you need to make a grocery store run, take a friend with you so you guys can talk and shop. This takes your mind off all those worries and fears looming over your head while shopping.
3. Distract Yourself with a Phone Call
To piggy-back off number two, if you don’t have a friend to bring along with you, call someone! Put your earbuds in while you do your shopping. This way, your hands are free to do all the shopping you need to do, and you can laugh and hang with your friend.
Many people who experience anxiety praise this tactic, especially those who experience freeway anxiety. Calling a friend up and talking your way through any anxiety-inducing experience will allow you to fly through with ease.
4. Bring a CBD Vape Pen Along
CBD vape pens are incredible. If you haven’t experienced what CBD is capable of, what are you waiting for?
CBD vapes provide some of the highest levels of bioavailability. If you’re new to CBD, bioavailability refers to the amount of CBD your body absorbs. When you use the vape, it goes straight into your bloodstream through the lungs.
Within minutes, you’ll feel relief from whatever was ailing your body. It’s great for those with anxiety issues because it works extremely fast. The best part is there are both disposable and non-disposable options available.
If you opt for the disposable option, you can find tons of vape pens ready to use right out of the box, and you toss it out when done. On the other hand, the non-disposable option is a vape kit most of the time and consist of the refillable vape pen, charger, and a vape juice.
When shopping for refill options, you’ll see there are a ton of good CBD vape juices out there on the market created with all-natural ingredients. Make sure to avoid those heavy on the artificial side because the effects can be counterproductive.
The amount of milligrams per pull is relatively low, so you’ll be able to take 1-2 pulls and find the perfect level of mellowness to accompany you on your outing.
5. Exclude Products that Cause Anxiety
This may go without saying, but if you know you’re prone to anxiety, steer clear of products you know will “set it off.”
These are products like caffeinated teas, energy drinks, sodas, coffee, or anything else with a substantial caffeine amount. These types of products can cause anxiety before you leave the house.
As an alternative, drink smoothies or natural juices that boost wellness.
Now You’re Ready to Go
We’re still in lockdown in most states, but it doesn’t mean we don’t have to go out for the essentials.
Sure, the media can cause a frenzy. Still, you’ve got the tools to keep the mind under control, so you don’t experience anxiety every time you get around more than a few people.
We hope these tips help you tackle the newfound source of anxiety most of us are dealing with.
