If you’re going through it, just know it’s called “going THROUGH it” You’re not gonna get stuck there, you’re not gonna die, you’re gonna survive’ — Tina Knowles
This entire Coronavirus situation is life-alternating. For some, it may be scary, others not, but I think we all can agree that it is different. Flights are cheap, school is being canceled, and everyone is running out of toilet paper. Amid this situation, it is easy to get caught up in the news of it all and be overwhelmed with fear. I know I’m not alone when I say that I have struggled with anxiety in my life. This past week I have found myself slowly falling back into that headspace and have had to do practical things to keep myself mentally healthy. I love sharing and want to help anyone who is battling anxiety during this tough time. With that said, I’d like to share ten ways I’m fighting my anxiety during the Coronavirus scare.
1. Focusing on what I can control
When I heard that campuses were shutting down, and students were forced to go home, my heart went out to the first-generation student I may not know. The student who may not be able to fly back from their college campus, who may not have food to stock up on or family to support them. As I started ruminating on hypothetical situations that made me sad, I started going down a dark spiral. The depression started creeping up on me, and I began to feel down. One way that I combatted this thinking was by focusing on what I can control. I can only look after myself, and I can’t save the world. It was important that I focused on myself and what I could manage to keep myself from going crazy. This stoic approach medicated my thinking and allowed me to have a better day.
2. Keep my body moving
It hurts my heart that I can’t go to the gym and run up 1500 stairs like I usually do. I’ve always believed that an idle mind (and body) is the devil’s playpen. Instead of going to the gym I make a concerted effort to go on walks, clean around the house and keep my body moving. Whether it’s doing the dishes or cooking a meal, I always try to stay active. One way to implement this into your own life is by going on walks whenever someone calls you. Whenever I’m on the phone with a friend or family member, I go outside and walk around the block as I talk. Not only do I get some fresh air and privacy away from my housemates, I burn a couple of calories too.
3. Write my TV scripts
I’ve been extremely open about the fact that I plan to be a television show creator and writer. Being isolated away from everyone and everything has caused me to increase my time working on my scripts. I have five television pilots that I’m currently writing and a movie that I need to outline. Working on my goals and keeping my mind busy has been productive and rewarding.
4. Talk to my family more
Lately, I have found myself talking to my family more. I enjoy my Mom’s reaffirming words; as a woman of faith, talking to her, she always gives me hope that things are going to be okay. I like talking to my Dad because he makes me laugh. My Dad knows how to make anything funny; laughter is good for the soul and keeps me going. I also enjoy talking to my siblings, who I can reminisce about private family experiences that only us four know about, it is the best feeling ever.
5. Watching reality television
As a scholar of television, I’m always being encouraged to watch certain shows such as Succession, Narcos, or Game of Thrones. I have nothing against these shows, but sometimes, I want to watch the Kardashians or Flavor of Love. Lately, I have been binge-watching the latest season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta and laughing so hard. In one of the episodes, one of the women Kenya Moore interrupts a castmates’ hair launch event, and it is one of the funniest things I have seen all year. Watching what I want to watch has been the best therapy.
6. Laughing Daily
I do my best to seek out laughter with this coronavirus going around. Whether it is going through my camera roll and reflecting on old memories or talking with a friend, I seek out laughter. I encourage you to take 15 minutes out of your day to reflect on moments that make you laugh. Laughing hard is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I was texting my friend, Tia, about my time working with her, and I think we both had each other in tears. Laughter is the best.
7. Prayer and Meditation
In times like these, it is crucial to have some spiritual anchor to keep you grounded. Having a belief system in God and praying feels like a vacation. One of my favorite scriptures is 1 Peter 5:7, which reads, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” When I pray to God and ask Him to solve my problems, I feel like a heavy burden has been lifted from my shoulders, and it makes me feel better. Using guided meditations on YouTube have found themselves to be extremely helpful too.
8 . Listening to Gospel Music
Music is good for the soul always. As much as I love Beyoncé, her music can’t get me through like a good gospel song. One of my favorites that I have been listening to around the house is “Holy Ground” by Passion. Worship songs feel like a warm hug; I highly recommend curating a “trial playlist” that you can turn to when you are going through a hard time.
9. Dancing
In addition to walks and moving the body, there is nothing like dancing like no one is looking. We all have go-to dance moves that make us feel confident and indestructible. I can’t tell you how many times I have had private dance sessions in the bathroom. I challenge you to get in front of a mirror, put on some good music, and dance your heart out.
10. Speaking Positive Words
Our words have power; it is so vital that we become conscious of the words that we speak over ourselves and our situations. When I find myself proclaiming negative thoughts and limiting beliefs, I try to catch myself and do better. Every time a person asks me how I’m doing, I try to avoid sentiments such as “I’m going through it” or “It’s tough, I’m scared.” I have to do better at calling in more positive energy with more affirming words.
Conclusion
I do think that we are going to get through this coronavirus scare. I don’t believe that God would allow the world to end without me meeting Beyoncé first. We have gone through plagues, natural disasters, and tragedies before–and survived. I feel like it is only a matter of time before this situation is in our rearview mirror. Continue to be safe; I hope that you implement some of these tips into your own life. Let me know how your experience is; I look forward to hearing the positive report.
Be Inspired.