Seeking Anxiety Relief

[FirmDancer]

I started with almost-paralyzing anxiety during Covid-shutdown. Here are the things I implemented in order to be able to function (many of which have already been suggested):

• End the WorkDay and Transition to "Me" Time: at 4pm I logged off (I was teleworking at the time) & would not look at work emails nor talk to anyone about work after that hour.
• Go Outside: I immediately went outside, usually to a nearby state park. And walked. Usually about an hour. Sometimes going at a fast pace helped. Sometimes I just strolled. I usually went on familiar paths or trails so that my brain could relax. Walking for about an hour usually helped me unwind.
• Meditate: for 5-15 minutes; either back at home, or somewhere nice along my walk.
• Stick to a Strict Evening Quiet / Wind-down Routine: After my walk, I'd fix dinner, clean up. I did not listen to any news. I did not scroll / browse internet or social media. Played quiet music. Sometimes diffused essential oil. I would do 10-15 minutes of gentle yoga. I really liked Kassandra's series of short evening routines. Then sometimes I would read for about 30 minutes, usually a self-help book or positive reinforcement. NO SCREENS / DEVICES !!

I hope any or all of those ideas help you. I never experienced anxiety before in my life so it was very unsettling.

-Anita