The world went from masks, social distancing, vaccinations, and boosters to going right back to the way things were before COVID-19 ever happened.
You’re happy that things are getting back to normal, or as normal as they can be, but you can’t seem to shake these anxious thoughts and feelings that the past few years have brought on.
You felt like you were living in a bubble ever since COVID hit. You wanted to make sure that you were staying healthy but that you were also protecting your family, friends, and coworkers.
You’re not really sure how to move forward. This is how to cope with health anxiety in the “new normal”.
Acknowledge Your Feelings
No matter how you’re feeling about the “new normal”, your feelings are valid. It’s okay if it’s been a little harder for you to return to a state of normalcy again after experiencing a global pandemic. Try not to hide or bury the feelings and thoughts that you’re experiencing. This will only lead to feeling this way for a longer period of time. Make sure you’re acknowledging your feelings and allowing yourself to feel.
Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself
When you’re already experiencing anxiety, it can be easy to be angry or disappointed with yourself. You may be wondering why you feel this way or what your problem may be. Your feelings are completely valid. Instead of being so negative about all of your thoughts and emotions, try to shift your perspective. Acknowledge how you’re feeling, but challenge your thoughts with a positive mindset. Repeat a mantra. Write a list of the things you’re thankful for. Having a more positive outlook can do you more good than you think!
Create a Schedule and Routine
COVID-19 caused more problems than just health issues. It shook up everyone’s routines and day-to-day way of living. You’ve probably adjusted to the state of the world during the pandemic. You may have opted into grocery pickup or delivery instead of shopping in the store. Your job may have implemented a hybrid schedule or been completely remote. Just because the world is returning to the “new normal” doesn’t mean you have to throw those schedules or routines out the window. Take the time to explore the routines that you implemented during COVID that you still would like to stick to. You can find a blend of your pre-pandemic and pandemic life to create a new post-pandemic way of living.
Stay In the Present Moment
A lot of anxiety stems from worrying about past events or future situations that haven’t even occurred yet. One of the best things you can do to try to combat anxiety is to stay in the present moment. This is obviously easier said than done, but there are some things that you can do to help with this:
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Deep breathing
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Limit your news or social media consumption
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Meditation
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Start journaling
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Yoga
Seek Additional Support
Any type of change is hard. Even the world going back to the way it was before the pandemic can be a hard adjustment to make. If you’re struggling with health anxiety in the “new normal”, you’re not alone. Working with a licensed and trained mental health professional may be exactly what you need to help you cope. They’ll be able to work with you to help you find out the root cause of your health anxiety, work through any signs or symptoms you may be experiencing, and help you cope moving forward. Don’t delay in getting the help you need and deserve. Self-schedule an appointment now for anxiety treatment or call us at (207) 316-2609 with any questions.
