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How are you handling anxiety in this time of COVID-19?
Depression & Anxiety | Last Active: May 26, 2020 | Replies (190)Comment receiving replies
My wife and I are empty-nesters in our mid-60s living in Florida. I try to make a daily plan for activities. And, of course, think of new things to do. I never cared much for board games, but I think today is going to include Scrabble with my wife. Unfortunately, I suffer from peripheral neuropathy in my feet and hands, which tends to be worse in times of stress, and I have a long-standing anxiety disorder. All things considered, I'm doing fairly well. One thing I always do is get outside. If you're capable, try to figure out ways to get at least a half an hour of vigorous exercise in. I ride my bike around the neighborhood at a fast clip for about 20 minutes, then do some exercises in the house. I'm trying to replicate what I would ordinarily do at my beloved YMCA. I did yoga via YouTube yesterday. I restrict my TV watching to at night, for the most part. I want Netflix etc. as something to look forward to at night, not to burn out on by watching all day. And I only watch short segments of news. If it's important news, it'll get to ya. By the way, it's National Puppy Day, so I suggest celebrating it by looking at pictures of cute puppies. It should raise a smile or two.
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Hi, @eric65 - welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. These are all excellent ideas. Sounds like you are being very proactive in planning activities, and trying to replicate some of your normal routine. I've been getting out walking in the neighborhood or a nearby lake with my mom for walks, since her gym closed, and I think the physical activity is good and that the cardio in addition to the outside time is refreshing for the soul. I am not at all a doomsday type personality, but when I've been out to get some groceries or the like lately it is feeling more empty of people and activity, and kind of dark to me. I think we all could use a lift in any constructive ways we can.
I wanted to let you know that we have a Connect Neuropathy group you might check out for discussions that might be relevant for you https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/neuropathy/
If you've not yet checked out other discussions in the Connect group this thread is a part of, do look at the threads in the whole Depression & Anxiety group https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/depression-anxiety/
How long have you had an anxiety disorder diagnosis, eric65? You mentioned you are doing fairly well right now. What would you say is making the biggest difference for keeping your anxiety reasonably well-managed at this time with the COVID-19 pandemic?