6 STRATEGIES TO DECREASE YOUR STRESS AND ANXIETY RELATED TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 PANDEMIC
IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS, I HOPE EVERYONE HAS BEEN KEEPING SAFE AND STAYING HEALTHY. I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A ROUGH MONTH BUT HOPEFULLY WE ARE SEEING THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL.
In this blog I wanted to talk a little bit about what my patients have been going through during the COVID-19 pandemic.
About four weeks ago, Chicago Sports & Spine has decided to change the format of our clinic. We decided to stop seeing all patients for physical visits with the exception of any patient who was having a pain emergency. We have started to see patients virtually over telemedicine. Our patients have been fantastic in helping us implement this and helping us work out the kinks. It was not an easy task, but our patients made it easy. For this, I wanted to thank all of our patients.
Many of our patients have told us that this COVID-19 pandemic that we have been going through has been rough on their pain. If you are experiencing a flare-up of symptoms during this time, know that this is a normal response to what is happening right now.
Understand that anxiety about health and physical symptoms is understandably at an all-time high. We are worried about getting ill, worried about finances, worried about groceries, occupied with home- schooled children and children fighting. We are dealing with a lot right now.
A lot of my patients get treatment through acupuncture, massage, going to the gym, getting medical procedures, and counseling. Social distancing has taken these options away.
Therefore, it is more important than ever to understand the impact of what fear, anxiety, depression, and stress can have on amplifying pain.
WITH THAT BEING SAID, I WANT TO OFFER YOU SOME STRATEGIES TO DECREASE YOUR STRESS AND ANXIETY RELATED TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 SITUATION.
DECREASE YOUR NEWS CONSUMPTION
Too much news consumption can be anxiety provoking. If you find the media coverage as overwhelming, limit your news consumption to 30 minutes or less per day. It’s important to be informed but you don’t need to spend the entire day watching TV or on social media.
CHALLENGE YOUR NEGATIVE AND IRRATIONAL THOUGHTS
Know which of your thoughts are irrational and untrue and know which are accurate and factual.
LEARN MEDITATION AND HOW TO “TURN YOURSELF OFF”
Do what relaxes you. That may be reading a book, meditating, or taking a hot bath. Self-guided meditations or deep breathing can induce calm. There are a number of guides available on the internet.
TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY OR DO SOMETHING THAT YOU’VE BEEN WANTING TO DO FOR A LONG TIME
We are in a unique situation where many of us have time to do things that we normally do not have time to do. Don’t look back on this time with regret. Pick up an old hobby, start a journal, do some writing. I have started to work on my video blog which I love to do but could never find the time.
REACH OUT TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS
This is a great time to re-connect with friends and family. We are social creatures and limiting contact with loved ones can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. We have so many great options through technology to keep in touch; take advantage of them.
IF YOU’RE UNABLE TO COPE WITH YOUR PAIN, STRESS AND ANXIETY, SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP
Almost every health professional I know is providing care in the form of telemedicine. Reach out to your own primary physician and ask for help. We are virtually seeing patients right now and have found it very effective.
If we can help you with any of your pain issues, please feel free to contact us. Please stay safe and stay home.