Why Is COVID Anxiety Not Going Away?

What did you expect to achieve in 2020? The truth is that under lockdown or self-isolation, you are never going to achieve the goals you set for yourself. Yet that doesn’t mean you can’t focus your attention on other life objectives.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the primary goal for everyone is to stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Managing anxiety and fears is crucial to keeping your immune system strong. Indeed, stress weakens your immune system, making you more vulnerable to infection. For a lot of people, COVID-19 has been the start of a mental health renewal. So, you’ve done everything you could to keep your anxiety at bay. You’ve taken social media breaks. You’ve embraced DIY home improvement projects that keep your interior tidy and welcoming. You’ve created a routine that replaces your everyday commute and social outings. But you are still stressed out. What makes the pandemic so stressful?

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Hard to make ends meet

Many businesses have been forced to shut down until further notice to keep everyone safe. Other companies have had to reduce production and activities, leading to furloughed or unemployed staff. For a lot of households, the pandemic has made it challenging to keep finances under control. Unfortunately, when your income is limited, you are likely to face the pandemic debt. However, there are plenty of creative and effective solutions available. You can find debt relief programs that help discharge your debts to give you some financial breathing room. Additionally, now’s the best time to consider side hustle options to boost your household income. You could sell your skills online as a freelancer until the health crisis is resolved, for instance.

People put your at risk

Opinions about COVID-19 are divided. While some people take the health risk seriously and embrace protective measures, others don’t believe the pandemic is a real threat. According to an NPR poll, approximately half of the population think the coronavirus situation has been blown out of proportion. Some even assume that COVID-19 is a hoax. As a result, people are not changing their behaviors accordingly. Many don’t respect social distancing. They don’t wear masks, putting themselves and others at risk. As an individual, protecting your health can feel challenging when the people around you don’t take the threat seriously.

You miss your normal life

When was the last time you went out for a drink with friends? The last time you headed to town without any protective gear or fear for your health? It was months ago. While the pandemic has introduced a new routine, you are probably missing your old, normal life. Leaving what you considered to be normality behind can make you feel isolated and depressed. Most of us spend a lot of time and energy creating a lifestyle that meets our needs and makes us happy. When you lose this, it feels as if you were forced to live a life that isn’t yours. Patience. Things will eventually go back to a new normal. But for the time being, stay strong a little longer.

As much as we are trying to stay focused and positive during the pandemic, we are facing challenges we have never encountered before. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you feel your efforts to reduce your stress levels are not as successful as you hoped. It’s okay not to be okay. There is so much going on and affecting your stability. It’s best to take things slowly and focus on resolving problems rather than boosting your mood.

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