How are you handling anxiety in this time of COVID-19?

I’m right there with you. From the start of my “colon” adventure to todays topsy turvy world, I have used exercise/body movement to release built up stress. I wanted to say to everyone participating on this site, each of us have looked at our fragility in the eye either personally or through caregiving another. I believe our personal trials have given us a strength and a fortitude to be warriors. We should be proud and giving guidance to others who have not been challenged in the same way. It’s easy to be happy when life is rosy. Now, we get to dig deep. Believe me, this is my challenge. That’s why I appreciate your feedback and support Thank you.

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We are doing the email and phone thing. My son set my mother up on video phone, but being 89, she will probably not accomplish it without him. I suffer with anxiety anyway, and this situation is taking its toll. I was on anti depressants for 25 yrs and just weaned off them - last pill was Dec 25/19. Was full of anxiety after that, and with this Covid19 - my anxiety is right up there. Go for long walks which seem to help somewhat. However, tears are on the surface most of the time. I have heard that there is quite an attitude where baby boomers are concerned...like this is our fault. What is wrong with people? One post actually said that now the boomers are going to die, maybe I can buy a house...

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@virgo1952, Thank you sharing. I am sorry that you, me, all of us are dealing with hardships and additional stress these days. I believe that it is the caring and sharing by members like you that is going to strengthen all of us as we move forward.

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Hi, @nannyned. Yesterday, I needed to take some personal time off, and away from being online. I spent the better part of the afternoon, puzzling over a sewing project that I am working on. I didn't get much actual sewing done, however, I did a lot ripping out stitches, and replanning my design for a small fabric quilted picture. I also listened, (uninterrupted because of isolation) to some favorite CD's. Today, I feel refreshed and am planning a walk this afternoon.

Here is a discussion that I want to recommend to you for an enjoyable afternoon - Feel free to simply look, read, enjoy - or join us anywhere! You can click on the blue text and you will be taken directly to the discussion.

- Visual Escapes and Daily Inspirations: Share Yours https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/

I hope you will enjoy your afternoon.

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I bet you are way stronger than you think. These diseases are not for sissies. Put on your armor. We do have support all around us. take care. virgo1952

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@rosemarya I too am finding the need to "step away" for a time each day. I limit myself to 2 periods on the computer looking at Mayo & newsfeeds. Otherwise it is music or old movies on TV (no cable or satellite here.) I even try to follow the Mexican telenovellas on local TV since I am practicing my Spanish. (Mexican radio broadcasters talk way too fast...)
We are fortunate to be in a tiny community with about a dozen others, so we still can have some social activities while isolated from the wider world. Yesterday I played a card game with 3 close friends. This afternoon about 6 of us will line dance for 2 hours (we can do this and still be at least 6 feet apart!) My friend and I have also opened out paints, and she gave me a much-needed watercolor lesson the other day - tomorrow would normally be game day for a larger group (now cancelled) so I will sit at my kitchen table and paint.
And I walk - and walk - and walk, stopping to chat with neighbors sitting on their patios when the weather permits.
I encourage everyone to find something that brings joy, and commit to doing it every day as an antidote to the prevailing bad news, fear and anxiety.
Do you meditate or pray? Read scripture or other uplifting books? Listen to TedTalks? Sew, knit, craft, draw, paint, woodwork, photograph...? Walk or do other exercise?
Also everyone, we do not need to be afraid to go out in the fresh air and walk around, as long as we don't congregate in groups. You can even walk in the rain with raingear - not as much fun, but it gives you a sense of oneness with nature (as long as it's not icy.)
Sue

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I am a retired teacher so my education experience is helping! I set up centers or stations as we called them with activities! Such as treadmill, novel reading, magazine area, exercises with bands that my doctor assigned but don’t do, writing stories, puzzles, deck sitting, Netflix , cleaning, cooking and make a schedule. Oh yes, be sure to change out your activities!

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@rosemarya I too am finding the need to "step away" for a time each day. I limit myself to 2 periods on the computer looking at Mayo & newsfeeds. Otherwise it is music or old movies on TV (no cable or satellite here.) I even try to follow the Mexican telenovellas on local TV since I am practicing my Spanish. (Mexican radio broadcasters talk way too fast...)
We are fortunate to be in a tiny community with about a dozen others, so we still can have some social activities while isolated from the wider world. Yesterday I played a card game with 3 close friends. This afternoon about 6 of us will line dance for 2 hours (we can do this and still be at least 6 feet apart!) My friend and I have also opened out paints, and she gave me a much-needed watercolor lesson the other day - tomorrow would normally be game day for a larger group (now cancelled) so I will sit at my kitchen table and paint.
And I walk - and walk - and walk, stopping to chat with neighbors sitting on their patios when the weather permits.
I encourage everyone to find something that brings joy, and commit to doing it every day as an antidote to the prevailing bad news, fear and anxiety.
Do you meditate or pray? Read scripture or other uplifting books? Listen to TedTalks? Sew, knit, craft, draw, paint, woodwork, photograph...? Walk or do other exercise?
Also everyone, we do not need to be afraid to go out in the fresh air and walk around, as long as we don't congregate in groups. You can even walk in the rain with raingear - not as much fun, but it gives you a sense of oneness with nature (as long as it's not icy.)
Sue

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