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

@kay71, congratulations. You have developed quite an activity center. Thank you for participating. Do you happen to have pictures to share?
Be content and at ease.

@sueinmn Wonderful program of activities. What card game are you playing? Be happy as you share. Chris

@virgo1952, Once again, thank you. I did not intend to mislead you, let me clarify: I am a 11 year liver and kidney transplant recipient. I have been through an enormous medical, spiritual, and emotional battle leading to my transplant.. Some people think I'm brave, however the truth is that I depended on my faith, my fantastic doctors, my deceased organ donor, and all of my family and friends who supported and encouraged me along the way. We need each other, today more than ever.

@tnmama , although my anxiety is under control compared to years past, I, too, find that I am reacting to the events precipitated by the pandemic. I am physically and mentally experiencing changes that alter my health for the worse. I can only try to influence what I can now for me and for those closest to me, and that is enough. These are troublesome times, and perhaps we can do no more than be careful to try to sustain ourselves and to not go down a road that is going to harm either us or anyone around whom we touch (figuratively). What do you do best to alleviate your concerns on a regular basis? Try to follow a path that will not internalize this too much for you and yours.

@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

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!

Once a teacher, always a teacher!!!! 👍

Good morning, @tnmama. Welcome to Connect. These are very confusing and stressful times for all of us. I am having my cup of morning coffee and trying to get on some kind of a routine schedule or balance in my own days. I am in KY, and I am wondering if the tn in your @tnmama refers to Tennessee - if so, we are practically neighbors!

I assure you that you are not alone in feeling as you do. Mayo has a Group that is dedicated to the COVID-19. It is a place where all are welcome to connect with other members and generate ideas about how to solve problems and help defuse tension.

Here is a discussion that I want to share. Members are sharing beautiful photos and sharing their thoughts. It is very uplifting to simply read the conversations and view the photos.
- Visual Escapes and Daily Inspirations: Share Yours
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/
Here is one that can motivate you and provide ideas for physical activity as part of a group.
- Let’s Go Walking! Join me for a virtual walking support group
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lets-go-walking-join-me-for-a-virtual-walking-support-group/
@guener, @helenfrances
Here is the link that will take you directly to the COVIC-19 Group. Just click on it , and you are there. Ask, share, read.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/

I’ll post my puzzle when I finish. Just stay busy and on a schedule. Also, I shower and dress for the day like I would if I were going somewhere.