There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major source of stress in everyday life, compounding on all the usual daily stresses. In times like these, it is important to pay special attention to your mental health. If you have been feeling a lot of anxiety, then here are some ways you can manage it more effectively.

Recognize Your Feelings

Recognizing stress is the first step to dealing with it. Stress and anxiety can cause emotional problems like sadness and irritability, as well as physical issues like headaches and body pain. Rather than brushing these symptoms aside, acknowledging them can help you start dealing with your emotions before they get worse.

Challenge Your Thoughts

Stress and anxiety both cause and are made worse by negative thoughts. While not all of your thoughts and worries are unfounded, they may be based on false assumptions or taken out of proportion. Challenge your thoughts and recognize where your worries might be overblown.

Know When You Need a Break

Sometimes, anxiety levels can spike when you feel overburdened and stretched too thin. This may be from work, family, taking precautions against COVID-19, or anything else you have on your plate. Try to find some time for yourself so that you can unwind and disconnect from your worries.

Look into Relaxation Techniques

A great way to use your “me time” is to look into some relaxation strategies. There are many different types of meditations, yoga, breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques to try. While they might not all be right for you, it’s worth seeing if any of these strategies could make a good addition to your daily routine.

Seek Out Help and Support

When you are feeling stressed, it can help to reach out to friends and loved ones. Sometimes, just talking your feelings through with someone else can provide relief. You may also want to consider more formal types of support such as talking to a therapist or a support group, both of which can be facilitated online.

Mind What You Eat and Drink

The way you feel physically can have a big impact on your mental health, and a lot of it has to do with the types of food and beverages you consume. Focus on eating more balanced and nutritious meals and decreasing your intake of sugary drinks to feel healthier and more energetic.

Try to Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important components of good physical and mental health. It refreshes your body, helps lower your stress levels, and strengthens your immune system. Try sticking to a consistent sleep schedule to make sure you are getting enough of it.

Find Ways to Stay Active

An active lifestyle can help you sleep better while improving your health and boosting your mood as well. Look for ways to incorporate regular exercise into your day, like taking a daily walk, following along with an exercise video, or any other activity you are motivated to stick with.

Focusing on your mental health is important for overall health and happiness. By recognizing when you feel anxious and taking the time to address it, you will be better equipped to face both the small and the big stresses of life.