5 Ways to Cope Coronavirus Anxiety

 
What a whirlwind these past few weeks have been for all of us. If you’re feeling like me, your emotions are up and down from one moment to the next. On one hand, I am excited. I can slow down, focus inward and “work on myself.” I sleep in, start the day with meditating and yoga. I started sprouting, re-organized my garden, I make cold pressed fresh juice every morning.

I get to home-school my kid while his school is closed. Being artsy myself, I come up with cool projects such as building seashell wind chimes, hand paint a flowerpot and plant succulents…

On the other hand, however… I can not help but think about the effects of the COVID-19 on myself. Being a cancer survivor, my immune system is compromised. Due to the chemo and medication I am still taking, I noticed over the years that I get sick much easier than before – despite of the vitamin mountains I take on a regular base.

I want to take the Corona Virus seriously, but at the same time I can not live in a constant freak out state of mind. So, I decided to distance myself from social media (at least from the doom’s day people). I also limit how much media coverage I take in. I want to be informed, but do not want to live in fear. I only read reputable sources to avoid fake news about the Coronavirus.

My experience with cancer has taught me so much. Our family had to develop coping mechanisms to deal with the uncertainty of the cancer experience. These tools are invaluable during the coronavirus (COVID-19).

I make it a point to get fresh air every day and exercise. I am a believer that “it’s all in the head.” If I make my body feel good and oxygenate my brain, it will tell me that we can get through this chapter of our journey. I survived cancer and my crazy tweens, so this COVID-19 won’t kill me either 😉

What helps me is routine. Every day I walk outside (avoiding people) for an hour. Get at least ten minutes sunshine every day. I breathe in ocean air deeply, as I believe that salt kills viruses. So, walking on the beach, breathing in salty air, I cleanse my lung. Walking barefoot in the sand, even in the water… I feel that Mother Nature washes away my worries.

I make sure I do something creative every day. Whether it’s part of my kid’s homeschooling project or working on my jewelry designs to inspire others. I like to send handwritten cards to my friends and family. In today’s world it is so rare to see one of those cards in the mail among the bills.

I reach out to at least one friend a day via a personal message or a phone call to see how are they doing. I started with those live alone or coping sickness.

I have also been thinking about ways to cheer up my followers and those looking at me for inspiration. How can I help people to have a positive mindset avid the COVID-19 uncertain times?

So, I created new BREATHE reminder jewelry pieces. Paying attention to your breathing is one of the fastest ways to become calm, centered, and energized. The key is to breathe fully, deeply and slowly at intervals throughout the day to help balance your body mind and spirit.  Gogh Jewelry Design's beautiful BREATHE bracelet will act as a reminder for you to focus on your breath, especially during these challenging times.