There will be many situations that will leave you anxious, especially during these trying times. Anxiety will weigh heavy on you and leave you feeling hopeless. The pandemic has only heightened anxiety. While businesses are beginning to reopen, that does not mean that feelings of fear, worry and anxiety have gone away. In fact, many people are growing more anxious now that things are opening again. Whether you are anxious about the coronavirus, the current state of the world or about the future, these feelings can keep you from living your best life. Here are five sneaky signs you have anxiety because of the pandemic.
You’re not getting adequate rest.
During the pandemic, many people spent more time in the house. Whether you worked from home or spent less time outdoors doing the things you love, that additional time couped in may have led to less rest. Disrupted schedules can lead to less shut-eye. Anxiety can also disrupt sleep, as your thoughts and fears keep you from being comfortable enough to go to sleep. It’s so important that we get a good night’s rest. When you sleep well, you wake up refreshed and energized for a new day. Just one bad night of sleep can leave you exhausted and unable to be productive. Loss of work, financial stress and fear during the pandemic can also make comfortable sleep seem impossible. If anything related to the pandemic has caused you to lose sleep, try to figure out ways to reduce stress. Listening to music, doing physical activity and meditation are great anxiety reducers that can also put you in a calm state.
You’re extremely stressed out.
One of the most devastating things about stress is how detrimental it is to your well-being. While family, work and relationships can be some of the biggest stress drivers, the pandemic is also a newer culprit that is leaving people from all walks of life devastated. When stress hormones are elevated, it can lead to feelings of anxiety and moodiness. This is one of the reasons self-care is so important. If you are feeling more anxious than usual, take some time for yourself. If you have vacation time, take it. It’s there for a reason. That time off may be exactly what you need to get your head out of the dark place it’s in. If you don’t take time for self-care, things will only get worse.
You lose interest in the things you love.
Losing interest in the things you love the most is a major sign that you are struggling with anxiety and depression. The pandemic has made it especially difficult to do a lot of the activities we enjoyed most because of restrictions and social distancing mandates. Now that we have been out of the swing of things, it can be difficult jumping right back in now, even with restrictions being lifted. If you are feeling anxious, depressed or lower than usual, talk to someone. While this can be a therapist, but it does not have to be. Sometimes, just sharing how you are feeling with someone you love can be the first step to recovery. What you do not want to do is let it get so bad that it’s difficult to manage later.
You stop caring about nutrition.
Many people have gained extra weight during the pandemic simply because they have been more sedentary. More time at home means more time to snack and order in. Pay attention to what you are putting in your body. Sometimes, the very things we are consuming are fueling or adding to our anxiety. Remember that good nutrition is self-care. When we eat the right things for our body, it can boost our performance, our mood and our energy levels. Sometimes, we do not think that some of the things we put in our bodies damage us. Ask yourself what you are putting on your plate each day. Is it balanced? Are you drinking enough water? Is your sugar intake too high? When you do not eat the right things, it can have a devastating impact on your health. Nourishing your body with healthy foods encourages a good mood and good health. Consuming good things, it functions at its best.
You stop working out.
Another sign that you have anxiety during the pandemic is letting go of your workout routine. Your workout routine may have waned, or you are simply not working out at all. If you are more anxious than normal, consider taking a daily walk. This can be a walk around the blood or a walk on the treadmill. Physical activity is so important. If you are not working out when you had a regimen previously, it may be a sign that something bigger is going on. It should not be left unchecked. Just because you’ve let your membership lapse during the pandemic doesn’t mean you can’t hop back on the bandwagon. Exercising is a wonderful way to blow off steam and clear your mind.
When you focus on your health and well-being, you’re focusing on more than your needs. You are restoring yourself so you can be the best version of yourself. Self-care not only benefits you but also those around you. The best way to take care of yourself is to pay attention to your emotional, physical and mental health. If something feels off, pay attention to it. Be sure to get adequate rest a night, consume the right things and do the kinds of things that will boost your mood. It is also imperative to take the time to focus on the things that motivate you, the kinds of things that make you feel alive. When you take care of your mental health and take your self-care seriously, you will be in the best position to live well. Do not let the pandemic stop you from living your fullest life.
