During this difficult time, your first inclination might be to panic about the events unfolding. It’s easy to do particularly if you’re watching the news and reading about circumstances happening across the country. Couple that with any news of friends or family who’ve been afflicted by the virus and it’s enough to send anyone into a panic.
But panic and feelings of increased anxiety don’t help you manage. So, what will help? How should you manage the anxiety your feeling during this time?
The first step to mastering your anxiety is to recognize what it is when it happens. Instead of ignoring it and letting it build up and take over, simply recognize the anxiety as soon as you feel it. Notice the buzzing in your heart, the spinning in your brain and recognize it for what it is: anxiety.
By doing this you literally take the anxiety out of the anxiety. By recognizing the feeling, you’re putting yourself back into control instead of spiraling out of control.
Once we recognize it, we can explore its source. Anxiety can occur because of all sorts of real or perceived threats. Maybe you’re concerned about a job loss for yourself or a loved one, or the availability of supplies. Maybe your concerned about the future and what the “new normal” will look like and the lack of social contact your feeling.
No matter what you’re concerned about we want you to know we are here for you to help in any way possible. If you feel you need someone to talk to, or you feel you need some other type of assistance, please reach out to us at Your Key To Senior Living Options at 352-766-5274.
What are some other things you can do to help ease your anxiety?
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU DURING THIS CRISIS
Besides naming anxiety for what it is and recognizing it when it happens, bringing awareness to your body helps a lot.
Notice your breathing, watch the rise and fall of your chest. Take a moment to feel whatever it is your feeling and to just notice it. By noticing your breathing, you are actually switching off the “neural circuitry that ramps up the anxiety. Eventually, it leads you to overall feelings of calm. So next time you find yourself feeling anxious, try counting your breaths. Breathe in one slow inhale through your nose and one long exhale through the mouth then repeat and keep repeating until you feel more centered and calmer and your heart rate slow.
Another community resource consider calling is Transition Life Consultants or TLC. TLC is manned by retired social workers and mental health clinicians who you can talk to, free of charge. You can reach them at 352-322-0576.
No matter what you do to calm your fears, please realize that this situation will pass at some point. In the meantime, and until we can all get back to “normal” please remember we are here to help you any way we can. We can handle emergency placements, situational crises, as well as planned move-ins to any senior living community in The Villages and surrounding communities. Our services are always free to seniors and their families.
Stay safe and calm friends.
And just like you, I’ve been a caregiver.
I share my knowledge and tips to help seniors and families as they navigate the complicated process of senior living options.
- A CAREGIVER’S GUIDE TO HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS - August 6, 2024
- THE HEALTH AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF SENIOR LIVING - July 23, 2024
- IMPORTANT JULY 4TH SATEFY TIPS FOR THE ELDERLY - June 26, 2024
